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NINTH CAVALRY 




One Hundred and Twenty-first 



Regiment 



Indiana Volunteers. 



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NINTH CAVALRY: 



One Hundred and Twenty-first 



Regiment 



Indiana Volunteers. 



RICHMOND, IND.: 

PUBLISHED BY J. M. COE, 
1890, 



9918 




PREFACE. 



The papers here collected were read by the Regimental Historian, from time 
to time, at Annual Re-unions of the gth Indiana Cavalry, They are printed at the 
retjuest of the boys of the regiment, and are for their benefit. 

Combined, they give, as seen from the standpoint of the individual who narrates, 
the principal events in which the regiment took part, but do not even refer to many 
skirmishes in which it participated with the forces of Wheeler, Forrest, Rhoddy, 
and other Confederate Cavalry leaders, in the Department of the Cumberland, and 
"brushes" with guerrillas in the Military Division of the Mississippi, — " affairs" 
unimportant from the insignificance of the numbers engaged, but in which the 
most soldierly qualities were often displayed. 

The papers were not all prepared by the Historian : with those he did not 
write he has, with the full consent of the respective authors, made such changes as 
he thought proper. 

The paper by J. A. Brown, corporal Co. L, on " Sulphur Branch Trestle," 
appears as written by him, without a verbal change. 

The other paper upon the same subject is made up of accounts furnished by 
Col. Lilly and Capt. J. B. Harrod, Co. B. 

While the writer assisted in making up the detail sent upon that unfortunate 
expedition, it was not his fortune to go with it. 

The very able and graphic chapter upon the Hood Campaign is from the pen 
of Capt. O. B. Hayden, Co. D. 

The account of the Lynnville fight appears substantially as given by Capt. 
Harrod. 

If in these sketches it appears that too much stress is put on minor matters, 
and things of importance but lightly stated, it should be remembered that the 
statements are made from individual observations, and the shading must be looked 
at from the observer's angle of observation. 

Hereafter, if the boys desire, the story of the regiment may be further told. 

It will be noticed that but brief mention is made of the officers, especially in 
the chapter upon the Hood Campaign. There is no intentional slight in this — a 
fair share of the officers were on hand and did their duty, as is attested by the fact 
that four of them were killed in action and others wounded during that campaign 
— but the fact is that the privates fought the war and the officers got the pay and 
the glory. It was a peculiarity found in the volunteer service — found in the 
army of no other Nation — that however brave and capable the officers of the line, 
a dozen privates in each company were found equally brave and capable. The 
accident of rank should not affect the distribution of credit. It is enought to par- 
ticipate in the glory of the boys — too much to claim the lion's share. 

D. W. COMSTOCK. 



NINTH CAVALRY. 



SULPHUR BRANCH TRESTLE. 



On the afternoon of the 22d of Se[)tember, 1864, the 9th was ordered 
to furnish a force of mounted men to march to Elk River Bridge, on the 
Nashville & Decatur Railroad. ^ 

The detail was i)romi)tly made from the mounted men of each com- 
pany, and, under command of Major Lilly, senior major of the regiment, 
started the same night. The force leaving Pulaski, consisting of por- 
tions of the 9th and loth Indiana Cavalry, being under the command of 
Colonel Pace, of the latter regiment. The command arrived at Elk River 
Bridge about noon of the next day. Intelligence having been received 
that a rebel force was threatening Sulphur Branch Trestle, some miles 
further south on the same railroad, Major Lilly was ordered to report with 
his command to the commander of that post. 

Late that afternoon he arrived there and reported to Col. Lathrop, 
commanding the garrison occupying the earth-work constructed with a 
view of protecting the trestle at that point. The garrison coit^isted of two 
companies of colored troops. After a brief consultation between the 
officers a reconnoisance was determined upon and moved out on the 
Athens road about sunset. About two miles from Sulphur Branch the 
advance guard was fired uj:)on by the pickets of the enemy. Light skir- 
mishing ensued, and, night coming on, by the light of the enemy's camp- 
fires, their camp was reconnoitered, and they were discovered to be in 
heavy force. The enemy thus discovered proved to be the command of 
Gen. N. B. Forrest, estimated at twelve thousand men, with three batter- 
ies of artillery. On coming from Pulaski a courier line had been estab- 
lished, thus keeping open communication between Major Lilly's command 
and headquarters at the latter place. The courier line was under the 
command of Sergeant Anderson, of Company "B." By means of this 
line the situation was reported to Rousseau at Pulaski, and, in response 
thereto, came the order to "hold the fort at all hazards and to the last 
extremity." Major Lilly withdrew his command to the fort and estab- 
lished his picket lines. It was then 9 o'clock p. M. This fort was a small, 



6 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

four-bastioned earth-work, mounting two twelve-pounder Napoleon guns. 
It was located upon a knoll by the railway trestle, and was commanded 
by higher points within 500 to 800 yards, while on the east side within a 
few hundred feet, rose a higher hill covered with timber. The remainder 
of the night was spent by the men in throwing up traverses and otherwise 
strengthening the fort. Firing commenced on the picket line at midnight. 
It increased as the night advanced until daylight, when it was evident the 
fort was being surrounded, and before sunrise the battle was on. The 
parapets were manned so far as they could be with so small a force. The 
members of the 9th were in position on the south and east parajjets, and 
on the southeastern bastion, on their left along the east parapet, were about 
sixty men of the 3d Tennessee Cavalry, under command of Col. Minnis, 
who had been driven into the fort the evening before; the remainder of the 
work was covered by the two companies of Col. Lathrop, who also manned 
the two guns, situated on the northeast and northwest bastions. The en- 
tire strength of the force called upon to defend the fort may thus be fairly 
estimated at 450 men. The 9th was armed with Gallagher carbines, a very 
ineffective weapon, and on leaving Pulaski had but forty rounds of ammu- 
nition, and probably not more than thirty when the real fighting began. 

The attack upon the fort began before sunrise, and at the first onset 
of the enemy. Col. Lathrop was killed. During the brief period in which 
they knew him. Col. Lathrop impressed himself upon the officers and men 
of the 9th as an intelligent and gallant officer; the manner of his death 
was worthy of a soldier. 

About 9 o'clock Col. Minnis, who succeeded Col. Lathrop in com- 
mand, was wounded by a piece of shell and carried unconscious into the 
magazine. The command then devolved upon Major Lilly. /He was 
with his men near the southeast bastion ; they were meeting each succes- 
sive charge of the enemy with well-delivered volleys, waiting for the com- 
mand to fire ; husbanding their failing ammunition, the enemy were per- 
mitted to come within close range, showing a good front, before the order 
to fire was given. Meanwhile the enemy had gained possession of the 
wooded hill to the east of the fort, and their sharp-shooters from the tree- 
tops had the range of every part of the fort, except immediately under the 
east ]mrapet. The artillerymen suffered severely and the brave men lof 
the 9th were falling along the lines. The enemy's artillery raked the 
works from every direction with great destruction. From every point ex- 
cept the north, where the ground rose gently across the creek into an open 
plain, the rebels were in heavy* force and poured into and against the fdrt 
an incessant fire. Eleven o'clock came, and then, in the lulls of the ar- 
tillery, the gallant defenders of the old flag were gladdened by the soun/ds 
that told them that re-enforcements were engaging the enemy to the north 



SULPHUR BRANCH TREf?TLE. 7 

toward Elk River bridge, but the sounds grew fainter and died in the dis- 
tance and they knew that from that quarter no help would come. Still 
they hoped for rehef and still held the fort. Suddenly across the open 
ground to the north appeared a heavy line of the enemy. Major Lilly 
sent two messengers, one after another, across the fort to warn the officer in 
command of the colored troops and to inspire his men with coolness and 
firmness to meet the impending assault. Both messengers, in making the 
perilous journey, were killed. Lieut. Jones, of Company M, then volun- 
teered to go, and in making the attempt was wounded. Placing Captain 
Nation, of Company G, in command of the battalion. Major Lilly went 
himself across the bloody space^m safety. 

The rebel line halted out of range ; within the fort the ground was 
strewn with the dead and wounded. The men of the 9th Cavalry were 
out of ammunition ; for two hours they had been whitling Springfield mus- 
ket balls to fit their carbines. The Tennesseeans were out of ammunition ; 
thus two-thirds of the line was left without defense. Twelve o'clock came, 
and along the rebel line the bugle sounded "cease firing," and from the 
north across the open plain was borne a flag of truce. It is likely that 
not a member of the 9th had ever seen one before; it is more than prob- 
al)le that it was now looked upon with satisfaction. Every man had done 
his whole duty; they had fought like heroes; they had held a brave army 
under a skillful and fighting general in check for a day, thus giving Gen. 
Rosseau time to concentrate at Pulaski, and had literally at a great cost, 
" held the fort at all hazards, and to the last extremity." 

Major Lilly answered the flag of truce, taking with him the Adjutant 
of the 3d Tennessee, and, meeting Major Strange, Adjutant General of 
Forrest's staff, after the formal salutations, Major Strange handed Major 
Lilly a paper, which read: , 

"General Forrest demands the immediate and unconditional surren- 
der of the United States forces, with all materials and'm'unitions of war, at 
Sulphur Branch Trestle. In case this demand is not instantly complied 
with, General Forrest can not be held responsible for the conduct of his 
men." 

After reading this paper Major Lilly said to Major Strange, that Sul- 
phur Branch Trestle would never surrender under a threat; that it was a 
humiliation his command would not bear and one that should never be 
asked by a soldier ; that it was true his forces had suffered heavily, but 
they had undoubtedly inflicted greater damage upon the enemy ; that they 
were still capable of inflicting greater damage; that notwithstanding this 
he felt that they had done their whole duty, and on honorable terms he 
would counsel a surrender. Major Lilly then rode back toward the fort, 
but had not reached it when he was halted by Major Strange, who galloped 



8 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

after him, saying that General Forrest wanted an interview. He returned 
and met Generals Forrest and Buford. He then repeated to General 
Forrest what he had said to Major Strange, and added, that he did not be- 
lieve that General Forrest could not control his men, and if he did not 
he would be held responsible. In reply to this General Forrest handed 
him a paper, which read in substance : 

"General Forrest demands the immediate surrender of the United 
States forces and materials of war at Sulphur Branch Trestle. All United 
States officers and soldiers will be treated as prisoners of war. , 

"All officers and soldiers shall retain and be protected in the posses- 
sion of personal property. 

"Officers to retain their horses, if personal property, and also to re- 
tain their side-arms. 

" All officers and soldiers to be taken to some point in the States of 
Mississippi or Alabama, and there held for exchange and parole so soon as 
communication can be had with General Washburne at Memphis." 

Major Lilly then demanded one hour before giving an answer, mean- 
while the troops on both sides to remain statu quo. The hour was jy ven, 
and he returned to the fort. Colonel Minnis had by this time recovered 
sufficiently to resume command, and a counsel of war was held. The 
counsel was a unit, with the exception of Colonel Minnis, in favor of sur- 
render. While the subject was being considered it was reported that 
the enemy were moving troops, and our white flag was immediately taken 
down and firing was reopened ; there was a slight reply from the enemy, 
the troops moved back, the bugles on the other side sounded " cease firing," 
and the truce was resumed. Colonel Minnis, on being fully informed of 
the condition of things in the fort, and especially of the insufficient supply 
of ammunition, yielded to the opinion of the majority. Major Lilly then 
returned to the post of the rebel flag of truce, accepted the terms offered, 
and the surrender was made complete. The remnants of companies were 
ordered into line, then stacked arms, and, after preparing for the burial of 
the dead comrades, and the care of those who were wounded, marched 
sadly away. 

About twenty-four hours after the surrender the captured troops 
crossed the Tennessee River at Mussel Shoals, some four miles above 
Florence, Ala. The first rations issued to them were issued on the night 
of September 27th, and consisted of old corn on the cob. This was 
burnt or roasted over fire and eaten by those whose ajjpetites were suffi- 
ciently keen. 

On the 28th of September the C. S. A. issued rations to the 
prisoners the second time — this was at Okolona, Mississippi, and 
consisted of a small quantity of flour and an abundance of good waterl 



SULPHUR RRANCH TRESTLE. 9 

On the evening of that day Capt. Buchanan, of the 15th Tennessee 
Cavalry, C. S. A., furnished Lieut. Harrod, of Company B, with stationery 
and kindly offered to send a letter through the lines for him. Acting 
upon the generous offer, the Lieutenant wrote to his wife. Written under 
such circumstances, and while the disaster to our regiment was so fresh, 
the letter is certain to be interesting to the 9th. It reached its destination 
after some delay, is still preserved by the wife of the general as a 
precious memento of the war, and is as follows : 

Okolona, Miss., Sept. 28, 1864. 

Dear Wife — I address you this note as a prisoner of war. One 
hundred and eighty-seven men of the 9th Indiana Cavalry and three 
hundred mosdy 3d Tennessee Cavalry, were sent to Sulphur Branch 
September 24th. Gen. Forrest attacked the place the 25th with about 
12,000 men. We were about 500. The engagenient lasted about four 
hours after we were surrounded. Our loss was heavy. I had with me 
twenty-seven of Company B. I am wounded in right leg. I will get 
over it in a few weeks. The killed are: Wm. Harvey and Joseph 
Hutton; mortally wounded : Corporal Kirkhoff; severe: Sergeant M. B. 
Walker and Private James Hook ; slightly : J. J. Wimi and G. S. Bailey. 
Prisoners and well are : Orderly J. V. Hinchman, Sergeant Wm. Foster, 
Sergeant A. E. Anderson, Corporal Blessinger, Privates C. H. Sears, 
W, V. Robinson, John Stewart, J. Graining (blacksmith), W. C. Warner, 
R. Scott, J. HoUoway, W. Parman, Joseph Grey, B. F. Waller, G. B. 
Wilson, W. P. Read, M. Chauncy and J. Mooney Church ; and no man 
of Company B failed to do first-class work. In our capitulation it was 
agreed that we should all be paroled soon. I have no money with me 
and have on my old uniform. It is reported in camp to-night that General 
Forrest has taken Pulaski with 2,000 or 3,000 prisoners. If true, all the 
9th has gone up. We have eighteen miles to go yet to the railroad — 
Cherokee Station. Then it is said we go to Meridian, Miss. You will 
probably not hear from me again until paroled. It majl be some weeks, 
and it may be months. 

I send this by the kindness "of Capt. Buchanan, 15th Tennessee 
Confederate Cavalry. J. B. Harrod, 

Lt. Company B. 

Although by the terms of the capitulation, the officers were allowed 
to retain their horses and side-arms, the real advantage of this arrange- 
ment was practically not very great. Every night some horses were miss- 
ing, and when Cherokee Station (on the railroad) was reached, there were 
few, if any, officers who knew where their horses were. 

The day after leaving Okolona it rained heavily, and the troops 
encamped for the afternoon and night in the open field. Here was issued 
a little fresh beef without salt. 

The boys, from the three issues — first of corn, then of flour, then of 
beef, — by this time realized that the commissary of the C. S. A. was not 
Hberally supplied, or that those who controlled it were illiberal in distribu- 
tion. 



10 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

They reached Cherokee Station the next day (29th of September), 
remaining there about thirty hours. At this point all officers and soldiers 
captured at Sulphur Branch Trestle and at Athens, Alabama, on the day 
before, were placed on board two trains of box cars, to be taken to Meri- 
dian, Lauderdale County, Mississippi. The 9th Indiana and 3d Tennes- 
see were loaded on the last train, which was some hours behind the 
first. To each train a guard of about 150 men were detailed. When not 
far from luka, the track being wet and the grade heavy, the locomotive 
not of sufficient power to pull the train up, a stop was made to allow 
the track to dry. The officers in charge put out guards and had fires 
made on both sides of the track. The guards were tired and soon became 
sleepy, and there was but one at each fire. Major Lilly conceiyed the 
idea of capturing the guard, taking possession of and running the train to 
Corinth, and then marching the guards to Memphis under a flag of truce 
as prisoners. 

The officers of the 9th Indiana and 3d Tennessee entered cordially 
into the plan and were willing to take the boys' places at the guns. The 
major then going to the officers of the colored troops, awakened up their 
officers and explained his plan to them. They were afraid to engage in the 
enterprise, for lack of confidence in their colored troops. Without their 
co-operation the result seemed too doubtful to justify the attemi)t, and it 
was not made. 

The next day raw " sow-belly " was issued to the boys on the train. 
At the stations sometimes small purchases were made of something to eat. 
Lieut. Harrod remembers buying a piece (3x4 inches) of wheat bread of 
a variety he had not seen before, heavy and solid, for which he paid $5 
Confederate money. Arriving at Meridian, they were placed in a small 
stockade, where they remained for a week, from which place the officers 
were moved to Enterprise, Clark County, Miss. , and the enlisted men and 
non-commissioned officers to Cahaba, Dallas County, Ala. 

The rations at Enterprise consisted of one pint of coarse corn meal 
to each man daily, without salt, and a small piece of " sow-belly." Each 
mess of eight was furnished a skillet and lid to bake bread in. As a rule 
each mess baked twice a day, those of the mess who were well taking 
their turn for a day as cook. It was a part of the duties of the cook to 
divide the bread, taking the last piece for himself. The preparation of 
this bread did not require any special skill nor long experience. The art 
was soon acquired. It was only necessary to mix the water and corn 
meal thoroughly and to grease the skillet with small bits of meat, that the 
bread might be got out without being broken too much. 

In October permission was given to buy such eatables as were 
wanted, but not many of the officers could avail themselves of the liberty 



SULPHUR BRANCH TRESTLE. 11 

for want of money. Salt was bought for $3 a pound ; coffee, $24 a 
pound ; molasses, $10 a quart — Confederate money. In the stores, calico 
sold for $12 and $15 a yard; muslin, $15; good boots, $500 a pair; 
paper of pins, $6. These goods had been brought into Mobile through 
the blockade. 

During the latter part of their imprisonment, after the guards had 
been taken off, an invalid Confederate soldier came into the camp with a 
jug of what he called " pine top whisky," and a tin cup. He offered the 
whisky at 50 cents a pint. There was only one colonel in the camp. 
He was an Ohio man. He bought a pint and drank it. He soon passed 
into an unconscious state, in which he remained for forty hours. The 
"pine top" could be depended ui^on. Some of the boys bought a 
sample pint, but finding it to be so much inferior to the apple jack of 
Tennessee, promptly discarded it. 

The prisoners received some courtesies from Major Ward, Com- 
mander of the Post, and his Adjutant. Upon one occasion, in the absence 
of the Major, his Adjutant felt called upon to show some of the officers of 
the regiment special attention. He invited them to headquarters, extended 
to them the freedom of the establishment, which they accepted with such 
good will that the fun soon become fast and furious. The Adjutant set 
the pace, after a number of healths had been pledged on the absent Major's 
whisky, by breaking a camp stool. This example was followed by the 
invited guests, who joined in demolishing every article of furniture in 
sight. The Adjutant was not in a condition to escort his guests back to 
their camp, but they found their way without difficulty and knew the 
reason for the issuing of an order, which was read to them next morning, 
to the effect that no prisoner should visit headquarters without permission 
of the Major in command. 

The monotony and weariness of confinement was sometimes relieved 
by the drollery of those whose love of fun could not easily be suppressed. 
The prisoners were often indebted for a good laugh to Captain Nation, of 
Company G, and Lieut. J. M. Jones, of Company M. A small boy rode 
into the camp the smallest mule our men had ever seen under saddle. 
(Captain N., who was about six feet tall, expressed a desire to ride the 
"critter." The boy dismounted, and the captain, letting out the stirrups 
to their full length, got into the saddle, his feet almost touching the ground. 
After putting the mule through the various paces he announced his inten- 
tion of recruiting a " critter gang" for the Confederacy. Those who 
heard the captain's speech on the occasion will not soon forget its general 
tenor and the impression it made upon them. The speech was made from 
the back of the mule to the Union prisoners, Confederate guards and soldiers, 
citizens and negroes, who were attracted to the place by the captain's 



12 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

voice. It is greatly to be regretted that no phonographer was present to 
have taken it down literally as it came from the lips of the Hoosier orator,* 
that it might be incorporated in this true history. He called for volunteers 
to uphold the flag of the Confederacy. He said he was going to raise a 
"critter gang company." No one would be required to walk and only to 
ride when it suited him ; that the pay would not be any object ; that each 
private would be furnished with a "critter" in size and color like the one 
he then rode, and should have a nigger to feed and care for him ; that 
this variety was superior to all others and had been bred especially for the 
Confederate service, easy to mount and not dangerous to fall from ; that 
only a limited number of volunteers would be received, and that now was 
the time to subscribe. The captain held the undivided attention of his 
audience, surprising and entertaining them with his wit and humor for a 
half hour, and dismounted and retired amid great applause. 

While at Enterprise our men were almost entirely shut out from' the 
world. The Mobile Register, costing 50 cents a coi)y, was occasionally to 
be had, and, unrelished and unsatisfactory as it was, yet was sought and 
read with great eagerness. 

The privates and non-commissioned officers were marched from 
Meridian, Miss., to Cahaba, Ala. This was a violation of the spirit if not 
the letter of the terms of the surrender. On the march some ten days 
were consumed. They were placed in a pen or stockade and were sub- 
jected to the usual process of searching, and anything of any value found 
on their persons appropriated by their captors. They were not the first 
occupants of the pen. It aheady contained Union prisoners, literally 
half-clothed, some having only a shirt, some pantaloons without shirt, and 
some only a part of pantaloons, and all alive with grey-backs. The ra- 
tions issued were substantially the same as those issued to the officers, con- 
sisting of one pint of corn meal a day and a piece of fresh pork, one inch 
square every other day, although some times the authorities forgot or 
failed to issue the rations for a day or two, very much to the disgust of the 
boys. If the prisoners had been fastidious or over-particular they might 
have complained of the custom to the prison authorities, which cut up the 
meats for distribution on the same log on which the dead soldiers were 
placed before burial. A Dutch skillet was allowed to each mess of ten 
men, as the only cooking utensil. During the time of their imprisonment 
the rains were frequent and heavy, and the cooking being done out of 
doors, our men were obliged often to partially shelter the fire with their 
bent bodies while cooking, to prevent the fires from being put out. The 
wood used for fuel was green white pine. The Alabama River overflowed 
its banks and for two weeks the pen was flooded, the water standing 
from two to four feet in depth. Cord-wood was floated in, out of which 



SULPHUR BRANCH TRESTLE. 18 

scaffolding was constructed by the ])risoncrs to keep themselves out of the 
water. During this time the rations were eaten raw. It is needless to say 
that under such conditions, without shelter, exi)osed to the rain, but poorly 
fed, men died every day from exposure and want, and that those who sur- 
vived were weak as children. Their imprisonment which seemed so long 
to them, at last was ended. The officers were sent North on ])aro1e De- 
cember lo, 1864, but the enlisted men not until April, 1865, at which date 
they were started North, and in their enfeebled condition, although buoyed 
up by the hope of meeting friends and seeing home, it took them five days 
to march from Jackson to Black River bridge, a distance of forty miles, and 
when they came into the camp of their old regiment these brave fellows 
looked so gaunt, famished and woe-begone that they were but counterfeits 
of their former selves. 

The terms of the surrender may be said to have been fairly observed, 
except that the colored soldiers were sent to Mobile to labor at the salt- 
works. Their officers shared the fortunes of the officers of the white 
troops. Most of the prisoners of this expedition took passage soon after 
their arrival at Vicksburg on the steamer Sultana, an account of the wreck 
of which is given hereafter. 

During their imprisonment, the officers were treated fairly well. They 
were kej)! in prison at Meridian, Miss., about a week. The prison was a 
stockade made of poles with the ends in the ground and a scaffolding 
around the outside, near the lop, on which the vigilant Johnny sentinel 
l)aced his beat. There was a dead line within the stockade, to which our 
boys paid marked respect. There were two log cabins in the centre of 
the stockade, entirely destitute of furniture, paved with sand and the 
steady companion of the boys — the gray-back. There were probably 
more gray-backs than grains of sand. They kept the boys employed 
when otherwise time would have lagged most slowly. The boys were not 
without money (I speak of the officers). They had dead loads of Con- 
federate New Issue. They sold their horses for $600 to $1,000 a piece. 
It was a poor scrub that would not bring $600 in the market of Meridian. 
Watches brought from $500 to $1,500; knives and cork-screws from $50 
to $100, and other articles in ]iroportion. The people had the money and 
wanted to get rid of it. They were permitted to buy what the town 
afforded — not furnished in their rations, which were liberal in bacon, 
corn meal, and salt. After a week at Meridian, they were sent to Enter- 
prise, a village fifteen miles below Meridian. When unguarded, they 
were put on their parole of honor not to leave the limits of the town. 
They took possession of a big tobacco warehouse, converting it into a 
dormitory and headquarters, but took their meals at the houses of the 
citizens in town, they being glad to take the rations of the boys, with what 



14 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

else they could buy, and a consideration in New Issue, in exchange for 
table board. Early in December they marched from Enterprise to 
Memphis. There they were ordered to report at Camp Chase, Columbus, 
Ohio, where they were exchanged and reported to the regiment at 
(Travelly Springs, Ala., late in January, 1865. 

The following officers of the regiment were in the action of Suljihur 
Branch Trestle : 

Major Eli Lilly. Lieutenant Can field. 

Captain Nation. Lieutenant Leisure. 

Lieutenant Harrod. Lieutenant Riley. 

Lieutenant J. W. Watts. Lieutenant Jones. . 

Lieutenant Dunlevy. Acting Adjutant Geo. Armstrong. 

' Assistant Surgeon E. W. Magann. 

Lieutenant Leisure, wounded, but not taken prisoner. 

Surgeon Magann was left to cafe for the wounded. They were not 
made prisoners, the enemy leaving them behind in their march. Lieut. 
Jones was slightly wounded by concussion of a shell, being insensible for 
a portion of the battle, but recovered before it ended. 

The following is a list of those who were either killed or mortally 
wounded : 

Chauncey Kimball, Co. A. Curtis W. Hancock, Co. K. 

William Harvey, Co. B. George Myers, Co. K. 

Joseph Hutton, Co. .B. Josiah Saucer, Co. K. 

Charles A. Kirkhoff, Co. B. William Torney, Co. L. 

Andrew J. McGahey, Co. B. William S. Peckham, Co. L. 

Charles Beckly, Co. H. John J. Maple, Co. M. 

Cassander T. Houston, Co. B. Levi Maple, Co. M. 

Stephen A. Woodruff, Co. B. George H. McGee, Co. M. 

Henry Dorman, Co. K. Lewis Pickering, Co. M. 

Abram S. Foreman', Co. K. Sergeant Peckham, Co. M, killed. 
Henry C. Hi;itt, Co. G, kiUed. 

The following are the names of those who were made prisoners and 
died in rebel prisons : 

Henry A. Rariden, Co. A, starvation. 

John Robert, Co. A, starvation. 

Clay Trahune, Co. A, exposure and starvation. 

W. J. Foster, Co. B, exposure and starvation. 

George O. Houston; Co. D. 

Kelita Mendenhall, Co. E, exposure and starvation. 

Lewis Jones, Co. G, exposure and starvation. 

George W. Bowers, Co. G, exposure and starvation. 

John R. Williams, Co. H, exposure and starvation. 

Henry Brown, Co. M, exposure and starvation. 

Columbus Jessup, Co. M, exposure and starvation. 



SULPHUR BRANCH TRESTLE. 



15 



The following were made prisoners at Sulphur Branch Trestle and 
lost by the explosion and burning of the steamer Sultana, on the Missis- 
sippi Rrver, a few jiiiles abov'e Memphis, on the morning of April 27th, 
1865: 

Daniel Curtis, Co. A. George W. Delano, Co. H. 

Patrick Day, Co. A. Josiah Pratt, Co. H. 

Frederick Blessinger, Co. B. John W. Shull, Co. H. 

Charles E. Church, Co. B. Hiram Bailey, Co. K. 

Ephraim Parn-ian, Co. B. John W. Emmons, Co. K. 

John Stenarl, Co. B. George S. Fisher, Co. K. 

John M. Englehart, Co. C. Jacob Hurald, Co. K. 

Warren A. Huckens, Co. C. Henry Newton, Co. K. 

Wm. H. H. Wood, Co. D. William F. Rea, Co. K. 

John Bonner, Co. F. Joseph Survaul, Co. K. 

Charles W. Clevenger, Co. G. George H. Shockley, Co. K. 

Jonathan R. Downing, Co. G. Darius Stevens, Co. K. 

George Downing, Co. G. Matthew Zix, Co. K. 

William H. Graves, Co. G. James N. Christian, Co. L. 

William C. Hooper, Co. G. Robert A. Morehouse, Co. L. 

Charles W. M. King, Co. G. Leander McCartney, Co. L. 

John M. Maynard, Co. G. John M. Armstrong, Co. M. 

Enoch T. Nation, Co. G. Joseph D. Alexander, Co. M. 

James C. Olon, Co. G. William Brigg, Co. M. 

Martin V. Rodeporch, Co. G. George W. Blake, Co. M. 

John R. Reasoner, Co. G. Nathan E. Gruell, Co. M. 

Nathan Thornburg, Co. G. Enos Halloway, Co. M. 

Franklin Ballenger, Co. H. William H. Huffman, Co. M. 

James Bell, Co. H. James M. Isentrager, Co. M. 

Alonzo Dunham, Co. H. Samuel King^ Co. M. 
Franklin Ridley, Co. M. 

Total killed at Sulphur Branch Trestle, ------ 21. 

Died in prison, 11 

Lost on the Sultana, 51" 

83 



Note. — The last dispatch sent out of tlie fort the day of the surrender was 
carried by John McCorkle, of Company IS, and a member of the 3d Tennessee 
Cavahy. They left the fort about 7 o'clock a. m., and accomplished the feat by 
their coolness and " bold riding." 



IG NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 



SULPHUR BRANCH TRESTLE. 



BY CORPORAL J. A. HROWN, CO. L, 



On Sunday, the 25th day of September, 1864, the mounted portion 
of the 9th Indiana Cavalry, about two hundred in number, were called to 
do battle at Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama. Firing began on the 
skirmish lines at 5 o'clock in the morning, and was kept up at a lively 
rate until about 8 o'clock, when the battle began in earnest. There were 
with us about one hundred of the Third Tennessee Cavalry, and there 
were also about three hundred colored troops that were stationed in the 
fort. We were ordered to dismount and corral our horses and climb the 
hill and enter the fort, except myself and ten men, who were ordered to 
guard the hoi^ses, until the battle became so hot that it was considered 
unsafe to remain outside of the fort. We remained with the horses until 
a cannon-ball or slug or something of the kind — anyhow, it was some- 
thing from a rebel gun — landed in about fifteen feet of us. It tore a hole, 
in the ground large enough to bury a small-sized cow, and threw dirt all 
over us. We then thought it was time to desert the horses and let them 
take care of themselves, and climb the hill and get into the fort as soon as 
w^e could conveniently without hurting ourselves, and up the hill we went, 
and when we arrived at the entrance to the fort we asked where the 9th 
Indiana Cavalry was stationed. We were told that they were on the op- 
posite side of the fort. So we had to go through the center of the fort to 
get to where our boys were stationed. That was the most dangerous trip 
I ever experienced in my life. There were a lot of barracks in the fort 
and the rebel cannon were playing on them and knocking them all to 
pieces, and throwing the loose boards in every direction. It made the 
hair raise on our heads as we went dodging through the barracks among 
the flying boards and shell and cannon ball, but we finally got to our men 
in safety. 

The colonel commanding the fort was killed in the beginning of the 
battle, and Major Lilly, of our regiment, took command, and, by the way, 
Major Lilly was a hustler. He was one of the bravest ofiicers that ever 
went to the front. During the hottest of the battle one of our men got 
scared so badly that he wanted to surrender. So he pulled off his shirt 
and placed it upon the end of his bayonet and held it up as a flag of truce. 
That got the enemy excited and they went for us hotter than ever. They 
made charge after charge, but some of our boys pulled that old dirty shirt 



SULPHUR BRANCH TRESTT.K. 1 7 

down and made the fellow put it on again. We kept the rebs at bay as 
long as we had ammunition, but at i o'clock we were out of ammunition, 
and there we were about 800 strong, with no ammunition and surrounded 
by ten thousand rebels. So we surrendered. We were then conducted 
out of the fort and taken to the woods and a rebel guard placed around 
us until they got ready to start to Dixie with us. While we were waiting 
there a rebel captain that some of our boys had shot in the heel in the 
fight rode around among us and cussed us for an hour. He swore that if 
he knew which one of us damned Yanks it was that shot him in the heel 
he would shoot his heart out. But we did not tell who it was, and 1 don't 
think he has found out to this day. 

Well, along towards night the rebs got ready to start with us for I)i.\ie. 
Then fun began ; we marched nearly all night through the mud and imder 
rebel guard. Sometime after midnight we were halted and allowed to lie 
down in the woods on the ground without undressing, but before daylight 
we were rousted out and on the go again. This kind of business was kept 
up for three long days, until we had marched something over one hundred 
miles, with about enough to eat to make one good square meal. With the 
Alabama red mud enough sticking to each foot to make about three brick 
we finally arrived at Tuscumbia, Ala., where the rebs were operating a 
kind of a one-horse railroad. There they piled us into a couple of freight 
trains and we were hauled around over half of the State of Mississippi and 
back again into Alabama, and were finally landed at Cahaba, Ala., at the 
end of ten days from the time we were made prisoners. We were then 
stripped and examined, and robbed of everything that we possessed that was 
of any value. We were then marched into the j^rison pen. The prison pen 
was a large cotton warehouse, surrounded by a stockade with an elevated 
walk around the outside of the building. On this walk the rebel guards 
were stationed about every forty feet with loaded guns ready and anxious 
to kill any poor Yankee who might see fit to set a foot across the dead line. 
There was also a walk on the inside of the building around next to the 
wall, and a rebel guard was stationed there about forty feet apart. The 
dead line was a mark they made about eight feet from the inside wall, 
all around the inside of the building, and no prisoner was allowed to step 
across that line. If he did the orders were to shoot him on the spot, and 
the order was obeyed to the letter, but we were generally careful to keep 
off of that dead line. 

I shall never forget the morning that we were first marched inside of 
that prison. The old prisoners that were there before us on seeing us 
march in all seemed glad to see us, and yelled at the top of their voices, 
" Fresh fish! fresh fish! Hands on your pocket-books," just as if we had 
not already been robbed of everything we had b)' the rebs. But we soon 



18 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

got used to that for we had not been there long until we yelled " fresh 
fish " to other new prisoners that kept coming in every few days. There 
were on an average about three thousand of us there during the six months 
that we were there. Sometimes there were as many as thirty-five hundred 
of us. When there was that many we could not all lie down at one time 
inside of the prison. There was a cook yard in front of the prison about 
seventy-five feet square, enclosed with a stockade. We were allowed to 
pass out into the cook yard during the day so that we could cook the 
little grub that was allowed us. Our rations consisted of one pint of corn 
meal per day and a piece of fresh pork, about one inch square, every 
other day, but that was not issued to us very regular. Sometimes they 
would forget to issue rations to us for a day or so at a time. It did not 
seem to disturb the rebels in the least to forget to issue rations to us. We 
were divided into messes consisting of ten men to the mess, and every 
ten men were allowed one old-fashioned Dutch skillet and lid. In this 
we did the entire cooking for the ten men or mess. So we were engaged 
in cooking all day, if we happened to have enough to cook to keep the 
skillet going. It rained nearly the entire time we were there. It seemed 
to us that it rained at least forty days in each month, consequently we had 
to do the most of our cooking in the rain. I have stood in a stooping 
position over the skillet for hours at a time to keep the rain from drown- 
ing out the fire while cooking. Our wood that we used for cooking with 
was generally green white pine, nearly as hard to burn as green buckeye. 
We were allowed to go outside of the prison to carry the wood in. They 
would let five of us out to the wood-pile at a time ; we would rush out and 
chop a load of wood and then carry it in. We would form what we called 
the wood line, and go out as our turns would come. I have stood in the 
wood line many times for a half day at a time in the rain, and then per- 
haps 1 would not get to go out after wood. We would do this work by 
turns and when we were not busy in this way were busy fighting "gray- 
backs." That part of the business we had to attend to whether we got 
dinner or not, for if we had neglected to kill off the "gray-backs" once a 
day at least we were in danger of being eaten up alive. 

We had a regular police force of our own men. It consisted of about 
thirty men. It was their duty to keep order in the prison and to punish 
any one who did not conduct himself in a proper manner. If any two 
got into a fight the police would at once form a ring and let them fight it 
out. They would make it their business to see fair play. There were 
three or four fights in the prison every day. That was a natural conse- 
quence where there were so many men huddled in together that it was 
almost impossible for them all to lie down at one time, and half-starved, 
it was natural for some of them to get cross and be ready to get" up and 



SULPHUR BRANCH TRESTLE. 10 

fight at a moment's notice; but they were so weak and in su(~h a famished 
condition that they seldom ever hurt one another in a fight. We also had 
a few dishonest men in the prison ; they would steal anything they could 
get their hands upon. The police would sometimes jumish them very 
severely for their misdemeanors — such as stealing, but there was no pun- 
ishment for a fair fist fight. 

We undertook to break out of the jjrison one morning about 4 o'clock, 
and cajitured all the rebel guards inside the prison. We took their guns 
from them and i)ut them in the privy and placed a guard over them and 
ke])t them there nearly an hour, but the rebels on the outside got wind of 
it a litUe too soon for us, and there happened to be more rebel soldiers 
there at that time than they usually kept at that point ; they rolled a big 
cannon up to the door of the prison and scared us out of the notion of 
breaking out at that time. The rebs called that a mutiny and issued an 
order that we should have nothing to eat until we delivered u}) the leaders 
of the mutiny. Then we thought that starvation stared us in the fiice sure, 
for we had no idea that there was one among our number that would give 
away the leaders; but alas! the leaders were sadly disappointed, for after 
three days of starvation, some one — I never could find out who he was — 
got so hungry that he gave the plot away and informed on about twenty of 
the leaders. The rebs took the informer out of the prison at once and 
gave him his freedom for his information. If they had not taken him out 
of the prison he would have fared badly among the prisoners for being a 
traitor. 

They took the leaders of the mutiny out and ])unished them in vari- 
ous ways. Some they put in dungeons, some in chains, and one fellow 
was sentenced to be put in a four-foot square box for one hundred days. 
Some of them were never heard of by us after they were taken out. W^e 
supposed that they were killed. We were always scheming for some ])lace 
to get out. So the next thing we were up to was tunneling out. We had 
a tunnel dug about fifty feet, and in a few more days our tunnel would have 
let us out on the bank of the river, when the river raised and filled our 
tunnel full of water, so that was all work for nothing. I had two s])ecial 
friends as fellow prisoners — (^eorge W. Addington and William Collins. 
We three stuck together like brothers. One day the rebs took Addington 
out. Myself and Collins did not know what had become of him. We 
thought that, perhaps, they had killed him for some imaginary offence. 
Well, things went on as usual for about a week when a reb came in and 
took Collins out, and no explanation was given, so we thought that he was 
gone u]) also, but in another week the same reb came in and called for 
me. That scared me nearly out of my boots, for I thought my time had 
come sure, but to my surprise he took me to the hos])ital where I found 



20 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

my friends Addington and Collins busily engaged in washing clothes for 
the hosjjital. I will say now before I go further that the hospital was for 
Federal prisoners only, and they required prisoners to do all the work 
about the hospital. Addington had managed in some way to get the job 
of washing for the hospital, and as soon as he could make an excuse for 
calling in help he sent for Collins and myself. We got that washing busi- 
ness down to a regular system. We would wash sheets and pillow- 
slips on Monday, shirts and drawers on Tuesday, colored clothes 
on Wednesday, odds and ends on Thursday, and on Friday we 
would boil "gray-backs," that is, we would wash the clothes of 
prisoners that came out to the hospital sick. When a prisoner was 
brought out of the prison sick they would take him to an out house, strip 
him of his prison clothes, and take him to another room and put hos]:)ital 
clothes on him, and every Friday we had to boil and wash all clothes that 
accumulated in that way. Sometimes it would be a sickening job, but it 
was far better than lying in prison. We three had to work about four 
hours each day. This gave us about half work and we received about half 
enough to eat at the hospital, except occasionally we got something extra. 
We got it in this way : The managers of the hospital were all rebs and 
aristocrats, and they had negro women to carry their meals to their, private 
rooms. Of course they got plenty to eat and sometimes there was some- 
thing left. This the waiters always saved for us, and about two or three 
times a week, after dark, our door would be pushed open and we would 
see a tin pan slip in and it always had something in it good to eat, such as 
cold biscuits and cold beef-steak, and it was always good, and we felt very 
thankful to the colored people that run such risk in furnishing it to us, for 
if they had been caught at it they would have been punished severely for 
it. We were not allowed to speak to any of the colored attendants about 
the hospital, but we often talked to them when there were no rebs in sight. 
I once saw a prisoner that was sick but convalescing so that he was able to 
walk about some, come out of the ward in search of a fresh drink of water. 
He asked a colored woman for a tin cup to drink out of, and the rebel 
doctor happened to hear him, and he was sent to the prison for the offence. 
The next morning the poor fellow was brought back on a stretcher dead. 
About the first of March, 1865, the Alabama river raised and overflowed 
and spread itself all over the town and was from two to four feet deep in- 
side of the prison. Our boys had a terrible time of it then for about two 
weeks. The rebs floated wood inside the i)rison for the prisoners to roost 
on. Our boys had to eat what little grub they got raw, and sleep while 
sitting on a pile of wood. This happened while I was at the hosi^ital, 
consecpiently I missed the fun of havings to sit on a wood pile for two 
weeks and eat raw grub. While at the hospital we always had hash for 



SULPHUR BRANCH TRESTLE. 21 

dinner. I remember one day the hash had soured, and we Hked it better, 
because it made a change. About the time the river went down to its 
proper level we were all paroled ; then we started for Vicksburg by rail 
until we got to Jackson, Miss., about fifty miles south of Vicksburg ; there 
we had to take it afoot. It took me just eight days to walk from Jackson, 
Miss., to Black River, forty miles. When I got there, there was just one 
man with me, about twenty behind us, the others being ahead of us. At 
Black River there was a pontoon bridge — a rebel guard on the south side 
and a Yankee guard on the north side. We arrived there about sundown 
and had to stay on the rebel side all night. Our boys on the north side 
were allowed to bring us over some coffee and hard-tack, which we en- 
joyed very much, as it was the first coffee that we had tasted for six long 
months. The next morning we were transferred to the north side and 
amongst friends. We staid at the hospital in Vicksburg a few days and 
then took a hospital boat for St. I>ouis, and from there home. 



ZS)^ 



(TT) 



22 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 



LYNNVILLE. 



While stationed at Pulaski, Tenn., details from the regiment were 
freciuently ordered out upon reconnoitering parties, and upon these oc- 
casions generally met Roddy, Duke, Wheeler, or other cavalry command- 
ers in that department, in skirmishes, which, as a rule, were bloodless. 
They were all exciting, however, and accustomed the boys to the use of 
their carbines. Of these affairs, what was termed in the regiment as 
"The Lynnville Fight," was the most sensational, and resulted in more 
racket than was ever raised by the same number of men in so short a 
time. 

On Sunday, September 2, 1864, at 8 o'clock a. m., pursuant to orders, 
the regiment marched out on the Nashville Pike, Companies B and L in the 
advance. The movement was occasioned by reports to the effect that 
Wheeler with a considerable body was in the neighborhood with the pur- 
pose of destroying the railroad. After advancing about six miles a mes- 
sage was received by courier from Ca^jt. Owings, of Co. F, occupying 
with his compan.y the block house near Lynnville, for the purpose of pro- 
tecting the railroad, to the effect that the rebels were in town in heavy 
force, and that he would not be able to hold his position long. 

Major Lilly was ordered to go to his relief with seventy men of Com- 
panies B and L. Advancing at a gallop, Lieut. Harrod, with sixteen men 
of Company B, leading the column, within one-half or three-quarters of a 
mile of the town, from a slight elevation, a full view was obtained of the 
rebels. Halting for a moment. Major Lilly ordered a charge to be made 
with the sabre. Harrod, with his sixteen men in advance, supported by 
the fifty-five B and L men, under command of the Major, forming quickly, 
were soon observed by the rebels. The ^advance was formed in double, 
the support in single rank. The orders "forward," "trot," "gallop," 
"charge," were given in quick succession, and in a moment all were 
hidden in a cloud of dust. The rebels in the town proved to be the 3d 
and 4th Georgia Cavalry. The attack was a surprise to them. Lieut. 
Harrod, being at the front and right of his platoon, had a fair view of the 
town and the enemy, and as the charge was made, says the Georgia boys be- 
gan to run when our advance was fully a quarter of a mile away, and when 
they reached the south side of the town the Johnnies were going out of 
the north side in great haste and ap})arent confusion. For the next five 
minutes the race was lively. Our boys returned their sabres to their 
scabbards and drawing their carbines and revolvers began firing. The 



LYNNVILLE. 2'A 

rebels threw away in their haste guns, blankets, haversacks, muster rolls, 
and whatever encumbered them ; and between the discharge of fire-arms, 
the shouts of our men and the clatter of the horses' hoofs, the natives were 
thoroughly aroused. The pursuit was kept up for about five miles, the 
fleeing Johnnies making a stand upon coming up to the main force of 
Wheeler's rear guard. Two of the enemy were killed and eight captured. 
The wounded, if any there were, made their escape. 

Corporal George R. Parsons, Co. B, mounted on a fast horse, was said 
to have got nearer the body of the enemy's forces than any other man. 
Capt. Nation, who was with the regiment without his company, by special 
])ermission, with a blow of his sabre delivered upon the side of the head, 
after a command to halt, unseated a Confederate, mounted upon a large 
mule. The mule got away. William Johnson was slightly cut by a ball, and 
the horse of Sergt. Foster was badly shot. Capts. Wall, Nation and 
Moorehouse took \mn in the charge. The boys, in the presence of 
Wheeler's rear guard, and so near his main body of perhaps 8,000 men, 
did not care to push matters further, and so quietly withdrew to Lynn- 
ville for refreshments, and to rest their horses. 

General Rousseau was near Wheeler's rear and left flank. 
Wheeler was between us with only one way open to the South. During 
the after })art of the night Wheeler moved in the direction of Lawrenceburg, 
and the 9th was ordered back to Pulaski. On Monday evening, Septem- 
ber 3d, the 9th was ordered to Lawrenceburg to head off Wheeler if i)ossible. 
Rousseau was pressing him with between 2,000 and 4,000 infantry and 
artillery. Wheeler's forces were estimated at 8,000 — nearly all mounted, 
with a battery of light artillery. His artillery was used very little. The 9th 
reached Lawrenceburg about 7 o'clock on the morning of the 4th, just in 
time to see the 9th Ohio Cavalry assist Wheeler's rear guard out of town. 
About 8 o'clock a. m. the loth Indiana Cavalry was ordered to the front 
and became engaged with a strong rear guard of the enemy in a thick 
wood. They drove them back two or three miles, when the loth was in 
turn pressed back. Major Lilly, who was with Gen. Granger when it was 
reported to him that the loth Indiana had been driven back, reciuested of 
the general that he ht permitted to take his l)attalion to the front. The 
general, who had heard of the efficient manner in which the Lynnville affair 
had been conducted, granted the request. Col. Jackson received per- 
mission to lead the remainder of the regiment. 

By order the troops on the road for a mile withdrew to the right and 
left, and the 9th was given free passage. The i)Osition occuijied by the 
loth Cavalry was soon reached. They were in a narrow valley ; the rebels 
on the ridge above them — the 9th on the opposite hill. It was fortunate 
for the 9th that the rebels made the mistake so often made in engagements 



24 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

— shot too high — the balls rattling in the tree-tops above their heads. A 
rapid fire at will was ordered and the lines were closed. The 9th ad- 
vanced steadily, firing over the loth Indiana, which soon moved out of the 
way by the flank, giving the 9th an open field. The Confederates did not 
long await the coming of the 9th, but, after a few volleys, fell back. Again 
making a stand and forming, the 9th hurries without a halt or hesitation, 
steadily presses them hard, beating them back from occasional stands for 
a distance of four miles, when Wheeler corraled his train, threw down 
the fences and brought his artillery into position. The boys were hot and 
tired, and concluded they did not want to take his artillery and rested. The 
offer of battle thus made by Wheeler to Granger was not accepted for 
reasons not known to the world. The opportunity was a good one and 
those generals had been ostensibly looking for Wheeler. Wheeler had 
the advantage, to be sure, in numbers, of perhaps 2,000 men, and these 
generals did not know at that time the superior material they had under 
their command. Wheeler began to move, and the loth and 12th Tennessee 
Cavalry relieved the 9th. After some desultory firing, Wheeler was 
permitted without further serious annoyance to cross the Tennessee River. 
There is where the the Federal generals desired to drive him, and so the 
object of the expedition was successful and Wheeler's attempt to destroy 
the railroad a failure. 

The loss to the enemy was 25 killed and 150 wounded. The 9th 
lost none killed and none seriously wounded. 

September 5th the regiment reached Athens, Ala. September 6th 
returned by Elk River to Mussel Shoals and Shoal Creek, going into camp 
at night on the bank of the stream, with the other bank held by a Confed- 
erate force under command of a Col. Anderson. The bridge spanning 
the stream being unsafe for horses, on the 7 th the regiment crossed by a 
dangerous ford. Companies B and L in advance, and soon engaged with 
Anderson, who was driven to Florence, Ala. , a distance of seven miles, 
in about four hours, near which place he succeeded in crossing the Ten- 
nessee River. 



"^T7^ 



THE REPUBLIC OF JONES. 



THE REPUBLIC OF JONES. 



While held at Enterprise, our men learned of the existence of a gov- 
ernment within the State of Mississippi, of which most readers of history 
are to this day ignorant. They were informed that early in the days of 
seces.sion Jones County, which touches Clarke County on the southwest, 
by its leading citizens, withdrew from the Confederacy, declaring themselves 
a free and independent people, organized a special and distinct govern- 
ment, under the name of the "Republic of Jones," adopted a constitution 
modeled after that of the United States, elected a President and officers 
of State, and refused to contribute men or money to the cause of the 
Rebellion. The census of i860 gives the po])ulation of Jones County at 
3,323. So that the standing army of Jones could not, if made uj) of the 
able-bodied males, have been very formidable. 

The cause which compelled the brave people of Jones to sever 
their connection with the most of mankind, seems to have been plunder. 
In the absence of C. S. A. troops, marauding parties sallied forth, captur- 
ing mules, horses, cotton, grain, and whatever else could be easily trans- 
ferred, and when pursued or upon the approach of troops, hastily retreated 
and disl)anded, seeking safety in swamjjs or other places difficult of access, 
remaining in hiding until the apparent danger had passed. It is stated 
that the Re])ublic did not in any manner contribute to the cau.se of the 
C. S. A. 

While the prisoners never became thoroughly posted in the ])rinciples 
of that Republic it looked at one time as if they would get, in an unpleas- 
ant manner, a knowledge of its practical workings. Enterprise was about 
forty miles from the seat of government of Jones. Held at Enterprise 
were about 100 officers of various regiments, (some of colored troops,) 
besides the officers of the 9th Cavalry and 3d Tennessee Cavalry captured 
at Sulphur Branch Trestle. The commander of the post was a Major 
Edward Ward, a resident of Indiana before the war, who had gone South 
in 1 85 8, engaged in business, became identified with the people and interests 
of that section, and united his fortunes with those of the Confederacy at 
the breaking out of the war. He had not been so long away from the 
North as to have grown indifferent to his old home — he still had a soft 
place in his heart for Indiana. He invited the officers of the 9th to his 
headquarters and treated them as hospitably as his position and condition 
would allow. At roll-call at 10 o'clock, October 15, 1864, Major Ward 
informed the prisoners that he had just received information through his 



26 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

scouts that the RepubHc of Jones was threatening to capture the prison 
camp and massacre the prisoners, for the alleged reason that the imprisoned 
officers had commanded negro troops. He said he would not be able to 
protect them against the superior force and did not know what to do. The 
proposition of Major Lilly, following the announcement of the commander 
of the post, must have been in the nature of a surprise: " If you can 
not protect us allow us to protect ourselves." Major Ward asked what he 
meant by that. Major Lilly explained that he meant that the commander 
should place arms and ammunition in the hands of the prisoners, and then 
if they were murdered no blame could attach to him. Major Ward said 
that the arming of prisoners was without precedent, and would certainly 
be dangerous when they were numerically stronger than their guard. 
Major Lilly admitted that the proceeding was unusual, but the circum- 
stances justified the innovation, and pro])osed that all the prisoners pledge 
their honor as officers and men to use the arms only in defence of them- 
selves against the anticipated attack, and to surrender them when the 
danger was ended. The pledge was taken, and in the afternoon two wagon 
loads of muskets and one of ammunition were delivered to the prisoners, 
the guards were taken off, and each officer selected his gun and put it in 
condition for immediate use. Lieut. Harrod, who had not sufficiently re- 
covered the use of his leg — wounded at Sulphur Branch Trestle — to be 
able to walk, was confined to the camp. Thus armed and equipped, the 
unwonted spectacle was presented of the Yank and Johnny marching side 
by side against the common enemy — Major Lilly, in the full unform of 
the United States Army, with his gun at a right shoulder, by the side of a 
rebel, marching in the picket squad to the front. It was perha])s the ear- 
liest instance of the fraternizing of the Blue and the Gray. 

The prisoners remained on duty three days and nights without being 
attacked. The enemy had learned that their plans were discovered and 
preparations made to meet them. A fight upon fair terms was not what 
they wanted, and they had withdrawn. 

True to their pledged word the prisoners surrendered and stacked 
their arms — no gun nor man missing. They had shown that they were 
as honorable as brave, and from that time until they were sent North they 
were allowed greater freedom of movement — the guards simply patroled 
the camp. Citizens were allowed free access to camp, but the prisoners 
were not permitted to talk to them or the negroes on politics or the war. 



^^7^ 



the' hood campaign. 27 



THE HOOD CAMPAIGN. 



Atlanta had fiiUen. Sherman, before starting on his " march to the 
sea," detached the Fourth and Twenty-fourth Corps, under command of 
Schofield, and sent them by forced march to. Pulaski to watch Hood, who 
was at Florence, and to retard his advance into Tennessee until Thomas, 
who was at Nashville, could concentrate enough troops to — as Sherman 
pithily said — "take care of him." The main body of the 9th Cavalry 
had shortly before this been sent to Nashville to secure horses for mount- 
ing the regiment; a small" nuinber of each company only remained to 
guard the camp and stores. 

About the 15th of November the forces from "the front" arrived, 
and soon our peaceful camp was the scene of warlike preparation. The 
beautiful slope which we had so long occui)ied was cut into rifle-pits, 
and just north of regimental headquarters a breast-work was raised, com- 
manding the approaches from south and east. 

Receiving information that indicated an advance of the enemy on 
Columbia by the way of Winchester, the works were abandoned. The 
infantry took up their line of march for Columbia, and the remnant of the 
9th hastily loaded the camp ecpiipments and stores and boarded the train 
for Nashville on the 23d of November, arrived on the morning of the 
24th, and .rejoined the main body who were encamped across the river in 
Edgefield. The remounting being completed, the cavalry forces at Nash- 
ville were rapidly organized as the seventh division of the cavalry corps — 
Gen. Knipe commanding. The first brigade. Gen. J. H. Hammond com- 
manding, was composed of the 9th and 10th Indiana, the 2d and 4th 
Tennessee and 19th Pennsylvania. 

On the 27th the first brigade moved through the city and down the 
Franklin Pike a tew miles and went into camj) ; on the 2Sth, passed 
through Franklin to Spring Hill and went into camp, awaiting orders from 
the front. On the 29th moved to the left of the Columbia I'ike and were 
all day in the saddle marching and counter-marching, slowly falling back, 
almost constantly within hearing of the fighting at the front. 

On the night of the 29th marched across to the Triune Pike to repel an 
alleged flanking movement of the enemy, who failed to appear at that 
point. At day-light we went into camp, and after a hasty breakfast, 
snatched an hour of needed sleep. Soon the unwelcome "boots and sad- 
dles " sounded, and we resumed our weary waiting and watching, nearly 
always within sound of musketry, but not seeing the rebels nor hearing the 



28 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

"zip " of the unfriendly bullet. We marched and counter-marched, always 
halting nearer Nashville. 

To those of us who had not yet seen a rebel under arms the suspense, 
the constant expectation of battle, was more trying than actual fighting 
aftertvards proved. On this day when the sound of musketry drew nearer 
and nearer, we were drawn up in line, and with drawn sabres awaited the 
appearance of the enemy and an order to "charge." Expectation sat in 
a thousand pale faces as 

" Each looked to sun and stream and jjlain 
As what they ne'er might see again." 

Suddenly the rattle of musketry seemed to roll away and all was still. 
Another time when the sound of battle approached our position, we dis- 
mounted and in line awaited the onset. 

In the evening the distant boom of cannon announced that a battle 
was on somewhere, and while we sat on our horses, weary but alert, the 
bloody battle of Franklin was being fought miles away. At last night fell, 
and exhausted men and horses sank gratefully to sleep. 

Our camp was at the base of a wooded hill, in a field adjoining the 
Nolansville Pike. Next morning, December ist, the horses, that had not 
been unsaddled, were put in line and held while breakfast was prepared 
and eaten. Before this was completed out-post firing was heard — a caval- 
ryman came galloping, saying the enemy was upon us. The command 
hastily mounted and moved out on the pike, just before reaching which 
Companies D and G were halted, and, under command of Major Lyon, 
went into line, facing the rear. The regiment moving at a rajjid walk, 
moved up the pike and disappeared. In a few minutes the rebels opened 
an irregular but furious fire from the brow of the hill under which we had 
camped. At the first discharge a horse went down; directly a man was 
shot ; another horse fell. Thicker and thicker came the bullets ; fiercer 
and fiercer grew the rebel yell. Major Lyon rode up and down the line 
shouting, " Give 'em hell, boys." It was the "baptism of fire" for the 
boys, but no one faltered. When ordered to wheel to the right, by fours, 
to march to the rear, behind a stone wall on the other side of the pike, 
they executed the movement as deliberately as on dress parade. Dis- 
mounted and sheltered by the stone wall the men were comparatively safe, 
but the horses suffered severely. Before they could be led to the rear, out 
of range, fifteen had fellen. 

The rebels did not advance from the brow of the hill, but blazed 
away with constantly increasing vigor. A " jackass battery " opened on 
us. The boys did not flinch from this new experience, but kept steadily 
to their work with the coolness of veterans. Our Maynard carbines were 
weak weapons, useless at long range — our fire must have been ineffectual 



THE HOOD CAMPAIGN. 29 

as to casualty, but being breech-loaders the boys were enabled to fire with 
such ra])idity that the enemy over-estimated our numbers and hesitated to 
advance, but began creeping round our flanks on either side. And still 
the Major said "give 'em hell, boys," and held us to the work until our 
ammunition was exhausted. About this time Adjutant Payne, who was 
on the staff of (Jen. Hammond, came back with orders to retreat. Every- 
body was willing, but it was easier said than done. 

Almost surrounded, no ammunition, many more men than horses, the 
pike in possession of the foe, it was not a comfortable prospect. Hurry- 
ing to the rear we mounted — some without horses, mounted behind a 
comrade ; again another would hold to a stirrup or a horses' tail to keep 
up with the rapid trot. No one thought of dashing to safety at the expense 
of a dismounted comrade. A horse was killed throwing its rider against 
a tree breaking his collar bone. Instantly he was placed behind a com- 
rade and away again. On and on through wood and field, rushing through 
rail fences, tearing down stone walls with bleeding hands and still behind, 
and from either side, the rebel yell and hissing bullet.* 

At last, most welcome sight, the guidons of a cavalry regiment drawn 
up in line to receive us and check the enemy. Feeling sure of safety for 
all, we dashed forward, leaving the dismounted men two hundred yards 
behind. To our surprise and indignation this regiment wheeled into col- 



* NoTK A. — Of the affair at Wilson's Pike, December i, 1864, Sergt. Holt, 
of Co. E, writes -as follows : D. W. C. 

" At the fight on Wilson's Pike, December 1, 1864, Company E was detailed 
to check the advancing columns on that road. The company was stationed in a 
small yard behind a house. A line of skirmishers was thrown out consisting of the 
dismounted fourth man, placed in charge of a sergeant, with orders to fire once or 
twice and fall back to their horses. The advance was very rapid, the firing hot in 
the region of the company, and the men who had charge of the horses of the dis- 
mounted men were ordered to the rear. When our men came back from the skirm- 
ish line they were disappointed in not finding their horses, and were all captured, 
consisting of nearly twenty-six men of Company E, who were taken to Cahaba, 
Alabama, jirison. Only about half of them lived through the five months they 
were kept there. Capt. Hobson was left in charge of the rear. He was ordered 
off the field twice by orderlies from Gen. Hammond, but failing to obey the 
order Gen. Hammond came himself and took the command off. The rebels were 
so close to us that I think I would almost know the color-bearer if I were to see him 
to-day. Before we left the yard, or just as we were leaving, Sergt. Helvie,who was 
sitting at the roots of a sugar tree, called to me to take his gun, a Henry rifle. I 
did so, and was so much excited that I only got two loads off out of the fifteen it 
contained. I believe Sergt. Helvie was the only man wounded in the engagement, 
although we stayed upon the field until the right and left wings of the rebel ad- 
vance were considerably ahead of us, and I pointed the fact out to Capt. Hobson, 
but it didn't seem to afl'ect him." 



30 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

umn and trotted away before we reached them leaving us to follow. The 
abandoned, dismounted men took to a cornfield and many of them esca])ed. 
Two privates of Co. D, Lieut. Swayne and some enlisted men of Co. (i, 
were taken prisoners. Later on we reached the regiment standing in line 
on the pike. From this place we moved slowly toward Nashville until 
night came on. Going into camp near the road we enjoyed what we had 
fairly earned — a night's repose without alarm. 

As we passed through Nashville to our old camp at Edgefield next 
morning, every hatless trooper of the previous day's fight will gratefully 
remember how the merchants in the city came out with arm loads of hats 
to supply our needs. Late in the evening the brigade was again in the 
saddle, marching to Gallatin, Tenn., where we remained some days 
patrolling the river from that place to Carthage to keep the enemy from 
crossing. While here encamped a detachment of the 9th, under command 
of Major Wall, was sent up into Kentucky "pressing in" horses and 
mules. This expedition was through a rich country, comparatively un- 
ravaged by the war, and was a pleasure trij) to its participants. Not so to 
the hapless citizens who had horses and mules. Desolation to poultry 
yards marked the path of the party. A fine lot of animals were secured, 
among them a number of blooded horses. It is jiossible that all these did 
not receive Uncle Sam's trade mark. There was a legend current in the 
regiment that one of the mules obtained at this time, that by accident was 
not branded, did excellent service at New Orleans in supplying one com- 
pany with the needful.* 

On December the 8th the command returned to Nashville. The 
morning was lowery and by noon began to rain. A strong northwest 
wind froze the water as it fell and soon the road was a glare of ice. The 
horses unshod or smooth shod had but precarious footing. Fortunately no 
serious accident occurred. The men were chilled and shivering. When 
the column halted for any purpose the red cedar rails on either side were 
soon ablaze ; but before the cheerful flame could infuse warmth in the 
chilled fingers the bugle sounded "forward" and the grateful heat was 
left to waste its comfort on the frosty air. We left a fiery as well as a 
frozen track that day. Before nightfall we went into camp within two 



••■Note B. — It was said that Company F sold this mule in New Orleans 
several times. The plan was — as the story was told — to have one of the boys, in 
citizen's clothes, sell the animal, and before it could be got away a squad would 
come up and arrest the party for having United States property in possession, com- 
promising for a greater or less amount, take the mule and release the purchaser. 
This was said to have been repeated a number of times. At last the mule was hid 
and could not be found, but not before a sum had l)een raised sufficient to jnU 
Company F in funds. 



THE HOOD CAMPAIGN. 81 

miles of the city. Soon, amid the lurid flame of burning rails, the smok- 
ing hot coffee, crisj) sow-belly and luscious hard-tack, we forgot the discom- 
fort of our cheerless ride — the .song and laugh went round until one b)- 
one each voice was hushed and the camj) was wTapped in silence. 

On the morning of the 9th we moved across the river and went into 
camp on the west side of Nashville, where we remained until December 
15th. While passing through the city Gen. Hatch and staff met the regi- 
ment — Col. Jackson joined him and with him held an informal review of 
the regiment as the column moved along. Our horses — fresh from their 
" old Kentucky homes" — were in such contrast to the jaded steeds from 
the front, with which Hatch's command was mounted, that, turning to 
Jackson, he said : " Colonel, you have a magnificent mount, but my boys 
will steal half of them before the battle." 

" No, General," replied the Colonel, "the boys got these horses for 
their own use ; you can't have one of them ; but we don't wan't to seem 
small and will undertake to trade a limited number of our Maynards for 
your Spencers." 

On reaching camp, an order was issued doubling the stable guard, 
and relieving from camp duty for a week any soldier who would secure a 
Spencer carbine. No horse was lost, a dozen or two Spencers were re- 
ported. These were organized for special service, and the zeal and enter- 
prise developed in securing them had ample play during the stormy days 
which followed. It is possible that some members of this squad would 
have willingly resigned their prospects for distinction with the Spencer, 
for the more modest and less hazardous companionship of the Maynard. 

The camp was in an open field with no tree, shrub or grass, or other 
covering than the sleet which fell and formed from day to day. It was a 
sloppy, slippery time. The discomfort of the situation was somewhat 
alleviated by remembering that the Johnnies were more unhappy than we. 
They had not wherewith to cover their nakedness and depended for food 
on such limited supplies as could be secured from the country. We were 
well fed and clothed. 

On the morning of the 15th, the ice being melted, the regiment was 
in the saddle soon after daylight. Moving a short distance to the right 
we halted, waiting for McArthur's division to clear the way for our pas- 
sage to the ])osition assigned our division on the right of Smith's Corps. 

About 8 o'clock a. m. the booming of the cannon on the left an- 
nounced the opening of the battle. For an hour the fight seemed to re- 
main in one place, but gradually the forces became engaged along the 
front, reaching a point to the right of our position. The cannons roared 
and thundered, and the rattle of small arms could be distinctly heard, 
while a dense smoke rolled up from the field which was obscured from our 



82 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

view by an intervening ridge. To get out of the ranks and climb this 
ridge to see how a great battle looked was a common impulse — an im- 
pulse too strong for those whose curiosity was stronger than their sense of 
duty. Two privates of one company, thus straying away, were discovered 
by one of Hammond's aids, who promptly placed them and their company 
commander under arrest. This ofificer* later in the day approached the Gen- 
eral and obtained permission to lead his company in the coming fight, 
which he did so gallantly that he never heard any more about the arrest. 

Two officers of another company likewise climbed the ridge and saw 
the belching of the cannon, the bursting of the shells, the great lanes 
torn through the ranks of blue, which, closing up, moved steadily toward 
the foe. It was a grand though awful sight. As one, sickening, turned 
away, he discovered that the regiment had moved away. Informing his 
companion, they descended the hill and quickly following were, fortunate- 
ly for their credit, not discovered, and regained their place in the column. 

The division now reached its place on the extreme right — the first 
brigade in reserve within the bend of the river. In line facing the front 
we sat on our horses awaiting results. The remainder of the division ad- 
vanced toward the enemy and were soon hid from our view by the fog 
and smoke of battle. Here it was that the battery on the hill above and 
beyond the rebel advance opened on us with shell — all will remember 
this— and none forget the peculiar shrinking sensation with which we 
heard the first shell that came shrieking over our heads and bursting in our 
rear. Here it was, too, that, as the smoke lifted, we saw our troops swarm 
up the distant hilF, and, after a short struggle in the fort, raise the stars and 
stripes above the works from whose guns had so recently come to us such 
unwelcome greeting. This redoubt was carried by Coons' Cavalry (dis- 
mounted), and two brigades of Smith's Corps. The same troop rushed gal- 
lantly on and soon carried another fort. The mounted men rushed forward 
and swept Chalmer's Cavalry back, capturing his headcjuarters, books and 
papers. The Confederate left was completely broken and driven back by 
the cavalry corps. Night stopped the pursuit. 

The first brigade being in reserve, took no part in this day's fight, but 
followed closely the advance of our victorious fellow-cavalrymen, seeing 
on every side the evidences of the battle we had not helped to win. We 
reached the six-mile post on the Charlotte Pike ; thence marching up 
Richland Creek three miles, bivouaced on Granny White Pike. Two 
companies, (L and another), going on picket, captured a number of prison- 
ers during the night. 

On the morning of the i6th, the first brigade returned to the Hills- 
boro' Pike. The 9th was detailed to support the 14th Ohio Battery in an 
attack on the rebel left and rear. Dismounted — a detail for skirmishers 



* Lieut. Thomas J. Cofer, Co. I. 



THE HOOD CAMPAIGN. 8:4 

was made, including the "Spencer Squad." As they disappeared in the 
wood we followed. Soon a rattling volley, followed by the articulate 
venom of single shots, warned us that we were approaching the enemy. 
Reaching a position on a ridge thinly covered with trees, the guns were 
unlimbered, ]jlaced in position, and for two hours a furious duel raged 
between this and an opposing battery on the ridge a half mile away. The 
wooded valley intervening was alive with skirmishers, and the continuous 
dropping shots showed that they were hotly disputing possession. The 
occasional bringing in of the dead and wounded from the line attested the 
character of the struggle. The boys were evidently not in fun. The 
regiment lay in front of the guns which fired over us. This of itself was 
sufficiently exhilarating to a nervous man, but when the shells of the op- 
posing battery came hustling through the air, bursting in front, above and 
behind us, cutting the branches above us or throwing the dirt over us, every 
man became a stoic and waited with calmness the missile which should 
stpiare his account. 

Strangely enough no casualty occurred in the line. Some annoyance 
was felt from a house on the left front occupied by sharp-shooters. A 
small squad, by permission, stole down upon them unobserved. Making 
a rush for the house the gray-backs went out of the back door as the 
boys went in at the front. The family were at breakfast. One of the 
boys sat down and had a hearty lunch, while the others searched the house 
from cellar to garret. Notifying the owner that another shot from the 
house would meet with res|)onse from the cannon, the boys returned and 
took their place in line. 

And still the cannonade kept up. Shells passing overhead reached 
the horses in the rear, carrying consternation to the boys who were 
holding them. One came uj) to the line to get. permission to trade 
places with one of the boys, saying if he had to be killed he preferred to 
die as a soldier, and not as a hostler. 

Col. Jackson rode a white horse and, with his orderlies, remained 
mounted during this action. Wherever this horse was the shells were 
thickest. Upon being asked why he rode this horse he said that in battle 
no one hit what he shot at. So he rode this horse for safety. The Colonel 
held a fairly good place in the affections of his men, but none cared to 
cultivate any closer relations with him on this occasion. It was two sad- 
eyed orderlies who followed him up and down the line these two solemn 
hours. 

The rebel battery ceasing to return our fire, we returned to our horses 
and about noon moved to the (iranny White Pike. Crossing it, we dis- 
mounted and climbed a hill — the remainder of the brigade going into line 
on our left. As we went into position the brass band of a regiment on 



34 NINTH INDIANA CAVAtRY. 

our immediate left was playing a melancholy piece — doubtless expressing 
the feelings of the musicians, but certainly not inciting an appetite for 
battle in the hearers. 

For some hours we lay upon this hill exchanging shots, occasionally, 
with an unseen foe, without loss. The loth Indiana on our left lost some 
killed and wounded. About 4 p. m. Knijie ordered an advance of the 
whole division. The 9th did not wait, but, springing to their feet, dashed 
eagerly down the hill and away after the enemy, who did not stand upon 
the order of their going, but went at once. 

Strict orders had been given to reserve fire until we should get in 
short range, but some nervous comrade, with patriotism at his finger ends, 
discharged his gun and at once a line of fire ran down the ranks. An 
effort to stop the shooting was made without avail. Company K had a 
man killed ; a number were slightly wounded. Two Confederates were seri- 
ously wounded in or near a house at the base of the hill, where we discon- 
tinued the pursuit. 

This could scarcely be dignified by the name of "a charge," as the 
enemy practically made no resistance. With fear to lend them speed they 
were further from us at the end of the race than upon the start. The day 
was damp and cold ; many had on overcoats and poncho blankets. The 
haste with which we obeyed the order to advance did not give them time 
to divest themselves of extra clothing. The charge was along through a 
corn-field a foot deep in mud, intersected by several ditches and washouts, 
four to six feet deep, and from three to ten feet wide. Cavalry boots and 
other impediments made this a decidedly warm trip. 

The rebels were now evidently badly whipped, and if the cavalry 
corps had now been mounted we could certainly have cut off the retreat 
by the Franklin road and practically bagged the entire game. By the time 
the horses could be brought up night had come and we went into camp at 
the base of the hill, from which the enemy had given us a parting shot at 
5 o'clock. 

The rebel army at the close of the fight on the i6th were completely 
whipped ; the infantry with which the cavalry corps had contended were a 
demoralized and panic-stricken mob. Forrest, with his main body of cav- 
alry, had not been present during the battle. Two brigades had reached 
the field on the evening of the i6th, and, holding the passes through the 
Brentwood hills, from the Granny White Pike, enabled the panic-stricken 
horde to reach the Tranklin Pike and cross Little Harpeth. Night and 
Forrest's cavalry alone saved Hood's army from total capture. A strong 
rear guard of cavalry was formed to cover the retreat of the broken rebel 
columns, and, although the battle was won our work was but fairly begun. 
About midnight a heavy rain set in which continued at intervals for some 
days following. 



THE HOOD CAMPAIGN. 35 

By the early dawn the First Brigade was in the saddle en route for the 
Franklin Pike, the 19th Pennsylvania in advance, supported by the loth 
Indiana. On reaching the pike the whole command started down toward 
Franklin at a swinging trot. Soon striking the enemy they gave way be- 
fore the impetuosity of the advance and were rapidly driven back, losing 
many prisoners. At Hollow Tree Gap a considerable body of infantry 
were strongly i)osted, who repulsed the two regiments in front with the 
loss of 22 killed and wounded and 63 prisoners, principally from the loth 
Indiana. To offset this, the loth had captured and brought off the field 
two Colonels, two Lieutenant-Colonels, one Major and more than one hun- 
dred enlisted men. The 9th, being in the rear, had all the morning seen 
the evidences of the demoralization of the enemy. The guns and other 
e([uipments strewn along the road, the apjiarant abandonment of every- 
thing that impeded their flight, every door-yard filled with illy-clad shiver- 
ing prisoners, had lead us to the conclusion that we had "a walk over." 
Hollow Tree (iap undeceived us. 

After repulsing our advance the enemy fell back. The 9th Indiana 
was ordered u]) and took the advance. As we moved through the Gap 
we saw the saddest sight of the campaign. A trooper lay beside the road 
gasping his life away, and near him with a ghastly wound in his breast, lay 
dead the little curly-headed, blue-eyed boy, Duane A. Lewis, Co. B., six- 
teen years old, the General's orderly, whose bright and joyous face and 
fearless innocence had endeared him to the heart of every soldier in 
the brigade. The pitiless rain fell upon his upturned childish f;ice ; his 
eyes were open, but their light had gone out forever. 

(ien. Knipe said to Hammond : "Take your command and go to 
Franklin ; don't skirmish with the enemy three minutes, but attack him 
where found and drive him through the town." 

The rain was gently falling, the heavy fog of early morning was some- 
what dissipated, yet so dense that objects could not be distinctly seen at a 
distance. With a long trot we swept down the pike against a shadowy 
foe — ourselves but shadows. The depressing weather and the sad scene 
just passed made the lightest heart grow heavier as we swept along. Sud- 
denly from the woods on the left a body of Confederate horse sprang into 
the road in front of us, and in a ghostly gallop lead the way to their lines. 

Debouching into the o])en near Franklin, the cannon from the fort 
opened on us with shell. The head of the column turned to the right a 
short distance and wheeled into line — the centre and left coming on " front 
into line." Hammond being at the head of the column gave the com- 
mand to charge before the line was barely formed. The right sprang forward 
at the command and was rapidly followed l)y the center. The left, under 
Capt. Hobson, was not yet in line and did not hear the command. Ham- 
mond again shouted "charge! " Hobson was looking after the alignment 



36 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

and did not hear the command. Hammond galloped to him and said: 
"You cowardly s — of a b — ch ! why don't you charge ? " Hobson raised 
himself in the stirrups and said: "Boys, we will show who are cowards! 
Forward ! March ! Trot ! Charge ! ! " and lead the boys right up to the fort, 
where he was shot through the heart.* A stone wall on the left caused 
them to crowd on the centre and against the fort. The right also was 
forced to press in on the centre, by reason of a nursery, which, for horses, 
was practically impenetrable. The centre charged right down the open 
grounds on the left of the pike. 



*N()TE C. — Accounts of the deaths of Capt. Hobson and Lieut. Watts are 
conflicting. Capt. Hayden states that Capt. Hobson was killed right at the fort. 
The account of Sergt. Holt, Co. E, of the same incident, is subjoined. Sergt. 
Holt's candor in relating his experiences is refreshing and worthy of all jiraise. 
Most of us, in relating army experiences, are apt to forget or omit our fears and 
remember only what was heroic. There was in the regiment but one opinion 
concerning Capt. Hobson, and that was that he was a brave and capable officer. 
Martin Gregg, Co. I, states that he was with I.ieut. Watts when shot ; that he was 
killed by the captain of the battery, who also fired at him. D. W. C. 

"Company E was the left wing, Capt. Hobson commanding the main column. 
Advancing on the pike, our company went to the left or rear of a small works on 
the pike. After we had climbed a little hill, our company had scattered considera- 
bly, the firing being close above us with grape. We formed under cover 
of the ravine, and then advanced down the railroad. Capt. Hobson 
was leading the company; and Sergeant Grose and myself were (T prob- 
ably ought not to say so) in the rear. I thought I took in the situation 
and asked him how he liked the place we were going into. He said he didn't 
like it much, but he guessed we would have to go. We charged down the railroad 
until we got to the wagon road, then went under the railroad, the grade being so 
high as to permit us to go under. Capt. Hobson didn't seem to realize the situa- 
tion until he was confronted on the other side by the retreating rebel column. He 
halted and turned round immediately on the retreat, and was shot just as he came 
under the railroad, falling almost against the stone abutment. His riderless horse 
came galloping past me as I turned to retreat. * * * 

" An incident in connection with Capt. Hobson's death has always impressed 
me. During the morning Capt. Hobson and Lieut. Burroughs were riding together, 
and in their conversation Lieut. Burroughs said : ' I would rather lose my right arm 
than go into a fight.' Capt. Hobson replied, ' The rebel bullet is not molded that 
will kill me.' With these remarks hardly cold from their lips they went into the 
fight and were both killed within at least a few minutes of each other. 

"While Capt. Hobson many times seemed rough in his remarks, his actions 
would show that he was tender in feelings. With a confidence that no harm can 
come to him, a man can go forth and fight with dashing courage, although 
danger surrounds him; but with the thought that ascertain as he goes into bat- 
tle, he will be the first to fall, requires a stout heart, and is offering his life 
upon the altar of his country. I never felt that I woidd be injured in battle, but 
I have several times wished that some one else would run, so that I might have 
some excuse to run myself. It took a braver man to make the break and run when 
every one was standing in line of battle than it did to stand and fight." 



THE HOOD CAMPAIGN. 37 

Lieut. Watts, of Comijany I, fell dead* on the i)ike at the head of 
Coni])any (1. l.ieut. Duvall, who lead Company H, was shot in the breast 
— a wound which hastened his death, occurring in 1880. 

The Confederates had torn down the telegraph wire and, driving posts 
at intervals, had encircled the fort with it. This was unseen by the assault- 
ing i)arty until their horses tumbled over it. Encumbered by the horses 
who were useless in attacking a fort, imi)eded by a stone wall and wire- 
fence, under an awful fire of grape and canister and musketry at short 
range, the regiment fell back in disorder, but not without bringing off two 
stands of colors and over two hundred prisoners. These captures were 
made by individual prowess, and were not the result of concerted action. 

Falling back perhaps two hundred yards from the fort and partially 
sheltered from the shells and musket balls by a slight depression in the 
plain. Acting Adjutant Comstock, under orders from the Colonel, planted 
the regimental colors, and the line was soon formed again. This was done 
quickly and well under fire. The shells were passing overhead and burst- 
ing threw the fragments among the men in a distressingly familiar way. 

Lieut. Burroughs, of Comjwny C, had been disabled in the charge, 
and, as the men from the left were crossing the pike to form on the colors, 
he asked for assistance to remount his horse, which was standing near. 
Two men dismounted to assist him, but just then a fragment from a burst- 
ing shell tore away part of his skull. He was carried to the rear m a dying 
condition. 

As the same party were hastening to the right, as before mentioned, 
a shell passed through two horses, taking off the leg of one of the riders. 
Another horse had his head taken off as with a broad-axe. In the charge 
a horse was struck full in the breast with a cannon ball, passing through 
and disemboweling him. The rider went headlong in the mud, where he 
lay stunned until the fight was over. The charge was unwisely ordered, 
but bravely and brilliantly executed. To ride down in the face of a with- 
ering fire on a fort inaccessible to cavalry, defended by artillery and in- 
fantry, greatly outnumbering the attacking force, was apparently a ride to 
death. That it was not so we must thank Him without whose notice no 
sparrow ftills to the ground. No one faltered ; none turned back until all 
that could be done was accomj)lished. Bravely as this was done, it did 
not show forth that true courage, born of moral worth and a high sense of 
duty, as did the prompt rallying of the broken companies, and the sj)eedy 
reforming of the line, under fire, and the patient waiting for orders among 
the bursting shells. This was the true touchstone of our greatness as a 
regiment, and nobly did the boys stand the test. 



■■See Note C, page 36. 



8R NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

In his report, dated December 27th, 1864, Oen. Hammond, of this 
action, says : 

"The enemy, having retreated, we followed rapidly, the 9th Indiana 
in advance, to near Franklin, and drove the enemy across the river into 
town, capturing, it is reported, two stands of colors and near two hundred 
prisoners. In this charge we lost three fine officers, among whom was 
Capt. Hobson — 9th Indiana Cavalry, — a man remarkable for the prompt 
discharge of his duties, and his bravery. The 9th Indiana was supported 
by the loth Indiana and the 4th Tennessee. But the first regiment de- 
served the principal credit of the charge and success." 

For the regiment, whose heroism converted his blunder into a glori- 
ous achievment, this praise is scant enough. For the man, at whom he 
had but a few minutes before his death, hurled the most oj^probious epithet 
that can be applied to the brave man who loves his mother, or reveres her 
memory, this recognition comes too late. 

* * The 4th Tennessee took the advance and pushed over the 
river, through the town and out on the Lewisburg Pike, followed by the 
brigade. Flanking the enemy out of a position between this and the Colum- 
bia Pike, we moved across to this latter road, and leisurely moved down 
toward Columbia. On either side of us great columns of cavalry were 
moving through the fields in parallel lines. The entire cavalry corps was 
in sight. The whole face of the country seemed covered with the mighty 
host. 

'' ' T were worth ten years of peaceful life, 
One glance at their array." 

A mile to the front, a range of heavily wooded hills at right angles 
to the pike, rose abruptly from the plain. On the brow of this hill a bat- 
tery in the road opened on us with shell. The first shell, passing over, 
Inirsted beyond our rear ; another and another followed. The stragglers 
felt an impulse of valor unfelt before, and made vigorous efforts to get to 
the front. The pace of the command visibly (piickened — broke into a 
trot, and soon were galloping, while still above us shrieked the shells. 
Alas! not all! Those in the rear could see the column, opening and 
closing at frequent intervals, as the horsemen passed on either side of the 
dead and wounded men and horses who had fallen. 

Reaching a break in the wall which fenced in the right side of the 
road, the head of the column, turning, dashed into the field on the right. 
Dismounting at the edge of the woods, which was also the base of the hill, 
we advanced u})on the enemy, and drove hini from his position. It was 
said that in this action the 4th Regulars, lead by Kni])e in person, went' 
into line, without dismounting, charged the enemy, and, after a sharj) hand 
to hand fight, drove him in confusion from the field. 



THK HOOD CAMPAIGN. 89 

The whole corps was engaged in this action, and, in ihirty minutes 
from the discharge of the first gun, the entire rebel force, who were not 
killed or prisoners, were in full retreat. It was now nearly dark. Re- 
mounting, we moved to the right, the loth Indiana in advance. Passing 
the enemy's flank, and reaching the ])ike in liis rear, we moved forward to 
the attack. The loth Indiana ])assed the enemy, who were ambushed be- 
hind a stone fence on the left, and who ])ermitted us to likewise get well 
in the trot before springing it. 

Suddenly, from out the darkness, "Haiti Who comes there?" 
sharply questioned a voice. ' ' Federal cavalry," replied Jackson. ' ' Fire! " 
rang out the command, and immediately from a thousand muskets in our 
very faces, gushed a sheet of flame. Down went man and horse. An- 
other volley, and the frightened horses reared and |)lunged, many falling 
in a ditch alongside the road, crippling the riders. 

Company L was in the advance. Moorehouse went down with a 
ghastly wound ; Bristow fell dead ; Jackson's horse went into the ditch, 
falling upon him, and inflicting permanent injuries to his breast. Acting 
Adjutant Comstock and another, whose name I cannot give, saved the 
Colonel from capture, by mounting him upon another horse and holding 
him in the saddle until a place of safety could be reached. 

Color-Sergeant Ricks, of Company E, a noble boy, was killed, and, in 
the darkness, the colors were lost. The rebels, protected by the wall, were 
safe from sabre or bullet. The plunging of the horses, the cries of the 
wounded, the shouting of the ofiflcers, the lurid flashing of guns, fitfully 
lighting the scene-made a situation inadequately described by the modi- 
fied term of the "new version." 

The surprise, the darkness and disorder, the impossibility of returning 
the fire, left but one thing to do. A united rush was made to the right. 
The rail fence, bounding the road, went down with a crash — officer and 
man, with equal zeal, seeking safety in flight. The enemy pursued with 
shout and yell and hissing bullet. It was not a panic. It was good, hard 
sense. To get out of that hopeless hell was strictly business. 

The enemy did not pursue very far. Halting in the woods, Ham- 
mond made an effort to get the brigade in line. He was so hoarse he 
could not speak above a whisjjer. It was found that all the officers were 
likewise too hoarse to make themselves heard, and the attempt was al)an- 
doned. Each officer and man sought sleej) and rest where best it suited 
him. Sleep did not at once fall upon the camp. Silence there was, but 
not sleep. The chagrin of failure, the separation from comrades who 
might be dead or wounded, and in the hands of the enemy, added tenfold 
to the horror of the night, itself wet, cold, comfortless, .^t last tired na- 
ture succuml)ed to the drowsy god, and all too soon the morning bugle 
awoke us from slumber to the duties and dangers of another day. 



40 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

On the 1 8th the command, encountering no enemy, marched to near 
Spring Hill, and went into camp. Resuming the march on the 19th, 
reached Rutherford's Creek. This stream was out of its banks, its cur- 
rent a torrent, making a more effective rear guard for the defeated army 
than even Forrest's brave and determined troops. The ahnost impassable 
condition of the roads delayed the arrival of the pontoons until the 20th. 
Meantime the infantry had overtaken us, and gone into camp near us. 

When the infantry came from the front and began work on the de- 
fenses at Pulaski, they did not have a very high opinion of the cavalry arm 
of the service. This feeling was fairly illustrated in the remark of a 
bronzed veteran visiting our camp. He said: "The artillery makes the 
noise, the cavalry makes the show, and 7cr do the work!''' A General was 
heard to express his contempt for this arm of the service by offering to })ay 
$10 per head for each cavalryman killed in battle. These boys had now 
followed our line of march and constant battle for some days. They had 
seen the character of the work done, and from them now was heard only 
words of warmest commendation. These were the heroes of Atlanta, and 
to have thus earned their enthusiastic ajjproval, conquering their prejudice 
and compelling respect, was doubling our laurels and glory enough. Their 
unstinted praise was not more grateful to our hearts than was the generous 
sharing of their scant store of hard-tack to our now, for a day or two, 
"strictly corn-fed" stomachs. 

The bridge across Rutherford's Creek being completed, on the 2xst 
we crossed and moved down to Columbia. Duck River, swollen by the 
rains, that for a week had almost constantly fallen, was now a wide, deep 
and turbulant stream. The rain had ceased to fall, and it was snowing 
instead. The wind was blowing a gale from the northwest. This greatly 
increased the difficulty of bridging the stream, and it was December 23d 
before we were enabled to cross the river and resume the pursuit. We 
had been called up the midnight preceding, struck our tents, and, mount- 
ing, moved down near the river, where we sat upon our horses in the wind 
and flying snow — a dismal, dark, dreadful two hours — and then back to 
camp again. 

About 10 o'clock A. M. on the 23d, we crossed the bridge and moved 
some miles down the Pulaski Pike, not encountering the enemy. 

On the 24th, we moved through the fields on the right of Gen. Crox- 
ton's brigade. We were not in advance this day, and, while always in 
hearing of the guns, were not directly engaged. All this day, as we fol- 
lowed in the wake of the fight, our eyes were constantly greeted with un- 
mistakable evidences of the struggle in front. No one will forget the little 
knot of dead and dying artillerymen and horses by the road-side, maimed 
and mangled by a bursting shell, a gory, ghastly sight. 



THF, HOOD CAMPAIGN. 41 

Forrest, with the main body of his cavalry, had reached the hue of 
Hood's retreat at Cokiml)ia, and from that jmint interposed a force not in- 
ferior in numbers, or discipline, to the cavalry corps pursuing. In addition 
to this force, we were hourly confronted by five brigades of infantry, under 
(len. Walthall. So great a force, aided by bad roads and swollen streams, 
made it impossible for us to break through their defence. It is true that 
at every stand made by the enemy, we drove him from his position, but 
when he fell back it was usually in good order, and more as one who had 
accomplished a purpose than as a beaten and demoralized foe. 

On the 25th, we pushed on, following the advance, which drove the 
enemy through Pulaski so closely, that he did not have time to destroy the 
bridge over Richland Creek. The men detailed to fire the bridge were 
killed or captured and the fire extinguished. Another stand was made at 
Reynolds' or Anthony's Hill, south of Pulaski. Our brigade was ordered 
to support the first brigade, sixth division, in an attack on this position. 
The enemy made strong resistance, and for some time the battle raged 
without advantage on either side. Hammond's brigade was ordered up. 
The 9th Indiana, with Companies I and 1) as skirmishers, advanced on 
the enemy's left. His skirmishers were soon met and driven back on the 
main line, lying along the top of the hill. A heavy fire was opened on 
these two companies, and they were compelled to fall back on the support- 
ing column — which, going into line, advanced upon the enemy. Mean- 
time the brigade in advance had been repulsed, and fell back in confusion, 
— the 7th Ohio cavalry breaking through the advancing column between 
the 4th 'i'ennessee and the remainder of the brigade. The 4th charged 
gallanty and drove the pursuing enemy back into his works, but the sup- 
port Ijeing delayed by the demoralized 7th Ohio, failed to come up, and 
the 4th was compelled to withdraw. Now it was that our regiment ad- 
vanced with the 2d Tennessee on our left. Coming within sight of the 
defences, the whole line, with a yell and mighty rush, swept up the hill 
over the works and across the oj^ening after the flying foe, who disappeared 
in the woods beyond. Comj)any I had a place in this charge. Compan)- 
D, being on the right of the skirmish line, had, in falling back, after help- 
ing develop the enemy's i)osition, missed the supporting column — having 
to go around a precipitous hill to rejoin the regiment, only reached the 
scene in time to observe, but take no part in, the charge, which closed the 
day's work. 

Going into camp the weary soldier found time to remember that this 
was Christmas day, and fill himself with the recollection of the Christmas 
feasts of former years — ])recious "little else" he had to fill himself with. 
Mud and snow below, clouds and rain ab()\e, all night long, was not con- 
ducive to rest, but caused the boys the more readily to resume the march 
next morning — the saddle being more comfortable than the camp. 



42 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

The 26th opened with a heavy fog and gently faUing rain. The 2d 
Tennessee in advance, supported, by the 9th Indiana, struck the enemy 
about five miles from camp and drove him swiftly l)ack on the main body, 
which was strongly posted on the south bank of Sugar Creek, a deep and 
rapid stream, with high and steep banks. The 2d Tennessee going into 
line, was soon hotly engaged. The 9th debouched from the road and went 
into line in reserve, l)ut so near the first line that we were as fully under 
fire as those in front. 

To remain under fire from an unseen enemy, without the stimulus of 
action, is a serious tax upon the courage of the average soldier. The 2d 
Tennessee, after a few minutes' exchange of courtesies with the enemy, 
were moved by the right flank to make room for us. Glad to move, the 
regiment took its place in the position lately occupied by the 2d Tennessee, 
while the 14th Ohio battery went into position near the line just abandoned 
by us. All this time the enemy's fire was unceasing. On reaching our 
new position we could see under the lifting fog, the creek with its steep 
banks, and beyond it the log barricades, from l)ehind which constantly 
leaped forth the flame and smoke, accentuating the " zip" of the spiteful 
bullets, which constantly cut the air around us. 

From here we could also see the slender thread of road leading to the 
ford, across which but two horses might pass abreast. As against mounted 
men the position was impregnable. The situation was not encouraging, 
contemplating which, an otificer of the line got somewhat e.xcited, and, 
riding to and fro in front of the regiment, constantly shouting: " Don't 
run, boys ; for God's sake, don't run ! " 

This was an unnecessary appeal. Aside from the disorder arising 
from falling horses, the line stood unwavering. A sharp reprimand from 
Hammond, and this officer subsided. The fire of the enemy continued 
with increasing vigor. It was returned by "the boys" with interest. 
Protected by log works the enemy probably suffered no loss. 

Two companies, under command of Capt. Gofer, were now sent to 
the left to a hill commanding the rebel right and protecting our left 
flank. The regiment, at the same time, moved to the right, making place 
for the balance of the brigade in line. The two companies moving to the 
left reached an angle in the hill — one arm running l)ack parallel to our 
line of advance, the other, and shorter arm, projecting toward the field of 
batde. Dismounting behind the shorter arm, which thoroughly protected 
the horses, the two companies scaled the hill and formed in line on its top, 
overlooking the rebel works in the plain below. Company D took the 
position nearest the field, the other company (Company 1, probably), 
going to the left, were in the act of deploying to guard against surprise 
from the extreme left, when the enemy left his works, crossed the creek, 



THE HOOD CAMPAir.N. 43 

and wildly yelling, charged the centre of the main line, driving them hack 
l)robal)ly three hundred yards, leaving the led horses in a triangle, the base 
and per])endicular of which was too "perpendicular" to climb, and the 
high position in the hands of the enemy. C.'omjjany 1) hurriedly scrambled 
down the hill, and, remounting, dashed out through the astonished Confed- 
erates to a j)lace of safety, where, reforming, they rejoined the regiment. 
In their ride to the rear Company 1) lost four enlisted men by ca|)ture. 
The horses of the other comjxmy were also successfully brought off. 

Cofer. with his company, hearing the battle surging back in the centre, 
also tried to get back, but by the time the deployed line could be rallied 
to return, they were met by a body of the enemy, who, seeing so many 
led horses going to the rear, suspected the truth, and went up the hill to 
see about it. Resistance was hopeless, flight seemed impossible, but, with 
a rebel prison on the one hand, and a chance for safety in a race with 
death on the other, was but a moment's hesitation. Running back uj) the 
hill and making a wide detour, Indiana put in her "best licks," and, al- 
though the rebels had the inner and by far the shorter line, they escajied, 
amidst a storm of bullets, without a scratch, and rejoined the regiment, 
much to their own satisfaction and greatly to the relief of the remainder 
of the regiment, who had given them up for lost. 

Hie brigade again advanced and drove the enemy back into his 
works. The 14th Ohio battery was now placed in position, and soon 
shelled them out, and pursuit was continued some distance by a portion of 
the command, the remainder soon going into camp. 

These were the last rebels in arms seen by us in this campaign. 
Subsistence for men and horses was becoming a serious {]uestion. We had', 
received no rations since leaving Nashville, twelve days before. There had' 
been little time for foraging. The resources of the country were nearly' 
exhausted by the rebel army — men and horses were worn out and hun- 
gry. A few days were consumed in recruiting the horses and securing 
supplies. The march was resumed and continued without incident of 
sjjecial interest, except a very pleasant encam|)ment at Taylor Springs and 
a very unpleasant, not to say dangerous, crossing of Elk River, ending at 
Gravelly S])rings, where we went into winter (|uarters. 

It was but a remnant (jf the 9th Cavalry that went into cam]) at the 
close of this long march. By death, wounds, disease and capture we had 
lost heavily. Those stopping by the way, from death or e.xhausting of 
horses, added to the other losses — not more than two hundred effectives 
reached this, our final, camp in Alabama. In considering the service of 
the 9th Cavalry in this campaign, we will concede that other commands 
may have done more fighting, but in promptly and effectually performing 
the duties assigned, no regiment could have excelled the 9th Indiana. 



44 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

Hammond, in his report, says : "During this campaign I have had 
continual occasion to admire the bravery of both officers and men, and to 
lament want of discipline." The discipline of our regiment was fairly 
good ; the officers, as a rule, had the respect and confidence of their men, 
who yielded prompt obedience to all orders. Gen. Hammond never 
issued an order, either in battle, on the march or in camp, that we did not 
try to obey, whatever we may have thought of the wisdom of it. 

It is the deliberate opinion of the writer, after twenty years' experience 
with all sorts of people, that no finer body of men ever lived than served 
together in the 9th Indiana Cavalry, and certain it is no braver soldiers 
ever marched to battle. 




THE NINTH AT FRANKLIN. 45 



THE NINTH AT FRANKLIN. 



Those wlio were present will admit thai ("apt. llayden's account of tlie 'Jth at 
Franklin is but a conservative statement of the facts. On llie day after the fight, 
while we were all feeling very well satisfied with ourselves and the part the regiment 
had taken in the affair, I wrote a letter to the Cincinnati Commercial, which was 
jnihlished in its issue of December 29, 18(M. I think it sufficiently pertinent to 
justify the insertion of the greater part of it. D. W. C. 



Camp of thf 91'H Indiana Cavalry, ) 

Near Franklin, Tf:nnkssee, December 18, 1864. ) 

It is a lamentable fact, that, for some reason as yet ungiven, the 
cavalry arm of our service has not, imtil (iiiite recently, been distinguished 
for any special efficiency. Its connection, however, with the late brilliant 
victories in the Shenandoah Valley, have won for it at least the respect of 
the country, and caused the withdrawal of Major General Hooker's 
standing offer of twenty dollars for a dead cavalryman of the Potomac 
Army. In the West this branch of the army, as your readers are aware, 
has been organized into the corps of the Military Division of the Mississippi, 
under command of Brevet Major Ceneral Wilson, whose dash and splendid 
abilities, while eminently fitting him for the responsible position he holds, 
have fully warranted his ])rom(jtion from Lieutenant Colonel to his present 
rank. The late complete successes of his command are evinced in those 
sure and substantial evidences of victory — ])risoners, battle-flags and guns; 
and in this department no corps can show more of them than the cavalry. 
While all the troops in this command have behaved with credit to 
themselves and honor to the cause in which they fight, for pluck, coolness 
and i)romptness in ihc hour that tests men's courage, among all the 
regiments taking part in the late move in front of Nashville, the 9th 
Indiana Cavalry of Brigadier General Hammond's brigade, is worthy of 
special and honorable mendon, and, particularly, its splendid charge upon 
the works and forces of the enemy at Franklin yesterday — an exploit 
unsurpassed by anything written of the war, and compared to which in 
point of success. Major Zagonyi's celebrated charge at Springfield, which 
created such a sensation at the beginning of the war, and interested the 
principal artists of the country in the face of a homely but ordinary man. 



46 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

becomes tame and unimportant. Some five hundred yards, over undulating 
grounds, made miry by recent rains, from the advance, (9th Indiana 
Cavalry, Colonel George W. Jackson commanding), of Hammond's 
brigade, and upon the north side of Big Harpeth river was a section of a 
battery, supported by two regiments of infantry, strongly entrenched behind 
abatis and rifle-pits ; in front of them a regiment of cavalry drawn up to 
receive a charge. On the south side of the river four guns were so planted 
as to enfilade the road. Filing and forming to the right and left of the 
road, with a coolness, which seemed utterly regardless of the terrible 
accuracy with which the rebel guns were aimed, while their shells were 
mangUng horses and their riders, the men seated themselves more firmly in 
their saddles, tightened the reins, and "looked on sky and tree and plain " 
as sights they might never see again. Led in i)erson by Colonel Jackson, 
in a line which would have awakened the admiration of Old Hardee 
himself, the 9th, at a walk, advanced to victory — many of them, alas, to 
death. From a walk to a trot, from a trot to a gallop, the short distance 
of five hundred yards was soon traversed, and the Hoosier boys measured 
arms with the chivalry from Georgia, Alabama and Texas. Overwhelmed 
by the celerity and boldness of the movement, many of the enemy were 
sabered and captured before they had fairly entered into the spirit of the 
fight. Before the impetuous Jackson three men in gray fell in less time 
than it takes now to tell it. A little Sergeant from Company K, George 
Leslie, with no weapon but his sabre, took from their gun a Lieutenant 
and artilleryman. 

To describe a real cavalry charge, however, where sabres are crossed 
and skulls are cleaved, as was the case at Franklin on the 17th inst. , and 
do it justice, is impossible. One may tell how hundreds of well-drilled, 
well-mounted men, with clean blades, seen through the clear morning air, 
moving like machinery, is a sight not often seen, and a splendid embodiment 
or representation of power, and in the rush of a charge may liken it to the 
tornado, that must sweep the earth unless averted. This may be said, but 
a hundred instances of individual prowess must necessarily be overlooked. 
Li fifteen minutes the field was won. Two stands of colors, two guns and 
250 prisoners were the spoils of victory. The remainder of the enemy, 
in confusion, fled through Franklin, leaving it to be taken with near 2,000 
of their wounded, without further fighting. This, with 400 men, for the 
other regiments, comprising the brigade, were not formed until the enemy 
had been driven across the river. Prisoners said the cavalry had never 
acted so before — that they were not even given time to fight, before they 
were whipped, and, even after surrendering, had difficulty in escaping the 
hoofs of the horses. 

Rebel officers accounted for the desperate and determined fighting of 



I'HE NINXri Al I RANKLIN. 47 

our men, by saying they had been given whisky and gun-powder. The 
latter part of the statement was strictly true. A successful cavalry charge 
— the capture of stands of colors, guns and prisoners, is a new episode in 
the great rebellion. But the faithful historian in the annals of the heroes 
and heroic deeds of the war, and glowing tributes to the devotion of 
patriot soldiers, will find no theme more worthy the beauties of our Saxon 
tongue, than the charge of the 9th Indiana Cavalry a:t Franklin. 



"^■7^ 
c^^^ 



48 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 



COL. JACKSON. 



It has not been our purpose in these i)apers to make special mention 
of any officer. As an exception to the general plan, I have thought that 
a brief mention of Col. Jackson's name would give no offense and could 
not be regarded as an unfair discrimination. Holding, by virtue of his 
rank, the most conspicuous place, he is in the eyes of his old comrades the 
foremost mark for blame or praise. He went west soon after the 
conclusion of the war — since then but little has been known of him by 
members of the regiment. The latest information concerning him, in 
possession of the writer, dates back some years, at which time he was 
reported as living with his family upon a farm near New Salem, Kansas, 
in feeble health. If living now he would be accounted an elderly man. 
His military history, briefly stated in the army records, is as follows : 

Mustered as Second Lieutenant, Comj^any C, 34th Regiment, Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, September 21, 186 1. 

Mustered as First Lieutenant, same Company, April 14, 1862. 
Mustered Captain May 12, 1862. 

Resigned October 7, 1863; promoted Colonel 11 8th Regiment. 
Mustered Colonel 121st Regiment (9th Cavalry), 1864. 
Honorably discharged June 3, 1865. 

The career disclosed by this brief recital, although but the skeleton 
of his gallant service in behalf of his country, is one of which his friends 
may well be proud, but to stop with it would not satisfy those who 
followed his leadership with confidence and recall his memory with 
affectionate regard. 

Having been much in personal contact with him in camp, on the 
march, and in action, the writer may take a partial view of his character 
— but to-day, after the lapse of many years, recollecting his strong and 
weak points, and he had them both, I deem it only a just tribute to the 
" old Colonel," as the boys used to call him, to say that he was a brave 
soldier, an able and skillful officer, a faithful and generous friend. 

He was unfortunate in a nervous organization, which sometimes 
affected his temper, compelling him to do and say things which he had 
occasion to regret and which unfitted him for camp life. In its monotony 
he grew restive and irritable, sometimes by too violent manifestations of 
his feelings, giving offense to brother officers without just cause — but 



COL. JACKSON. 49 

mounted and at the head of the 9th, and fronting the enemy or leading 
the charge, he was always the alert, gallant and splendid leader. 

The education he was possessed of, was of a solid character and was 
derived more from contact with men than from books. He did not affect 
learning, though he was intelligent and well informed on current affairs. 
Had he Ijegun his career in the army with higher rank than a Lieutenancy, 
or with influential friends to have secured the prompter recognition of 
his merits, or earlier obtained opportunities for the dis])lay of his soldierly 
(jualities, he would have won distinction in a war so fruitful of able 
(ienerals. As it is, his friends must be content with the knowledge that 
in the various ]K)sts assigned him he was faithful, capable and brave, and 
that those esteemed him most who knew him best. 



50 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 



WRECK OF THE SULTANA. 



No single event during the war so startled and shocked the North as 
that which has since been known as the " Sultana Disaster." 

On the 23d day of April, 1865, the steamer Sultana left Vicksburg 
Avith a total of passengers and crew of 2,141 persons. Of this number 
thirty-five were Federal officers and 1,996 Federal soldiers, recently having 
been released from Catawba, Enterprise and Andersonville prisons. The 
remaining no were made up of the crew and passengers taken on 
board at points between New Orleans and Vicksburg. 

The physical condition of these officers and soldiers is well known to 
those familiar with the treatment received by Federals in Southern prisons, 
— long confinement in stockades, without protection from heat or cold, or 
rain, without adequate food or clothing, deprived in sickness of medical 
aid and the commonest comforts. All were weak and many were 
absolutely helpless in the presence of danger. 

The estimated cai)acity of the boat was 376 persons, besides the crew. 
The overloading of the boat made it necessary to make any disposition of 
the men j^racticable. They occupied all available room. They were 
stowed away wherever space was found to place them. The trip up the 
river to the i)lace of the tragedy was made without the occurence of any 
unusual incident. The last stop was at Memphis, at which place the boat 
took on coal. At about 3 o'clock on the morning of the 27th of April, 
1865, when opposite Fogleman's Landing, some eight miles above 
Memphis, the steamer's boiler exploded. The vessel took fire immediately 
and was soon burned to the water's edge. 

It were idle to attempt a description of the scene that followed that 
explosion. It was 3 o'clock in the morning. The water was very cold. 
Many passed from the sleep of life to the sleep of death without awakening. 
Others without warning found themselves rudely awakened by contact 
with the icy water of the Mississippi. They saw the fierce river lit up by 
the burning steamer; saw their comrades struggling with the waves, 
heard their appeals for help, without the power to respond. They fought 
bravely with the darkness and cold and flood for life, sometimes even to 
death for the possession of a log, or boat, or other float, that could bear 
but one, often cruelly, but naturally asserting Nature's first law, when its 
assertion meant death to a weaker brother. Yet such sad pictures were 



WRECK OF THE SULTANA. 51 

relieved by others of devotion and gallantry and sacrifice not surpassed in 
earthly trials. Some who were able to swim, notwithstanding the sho(-k 
and chill of the waters, kept afloat for a time, and were successful in 
getting hold of floating planks and rails, and thus maintaining themselves 
until rescued. Many floated thus as far as Memphis before they were 
picked uj), and though rescued from the water, died soon after from the 
scalding and burns received on the vessel, and from long exposure to the cold 
and from exhausticjn. An instance is related of a mother, who clasj)ing 
her babe in her arms, floated from the wreck to Memphis, where she was 
taken from the water. She lived, but the little one was dead. 

The light from the burning vessel was seen, and the explosion heard 
for many miles. At a later hour these evidences of disaster would have 
brought greater numbers to the rescue. The time of the accident was 
unfavoral)le to i)rompt assistance. As it was, vessels of all descriptions, 
(^hiefly skiffs, put out promptly and rendered much assistance. 

A soldier passenger on the boat relates that while in the water he saw 
a horse swim by him with a dozen men clinging to him ; he says he saw a 
soldier attempting, with the aid of a plank, to save two little girls. A ro])e 
was thrown him, and in attempting to catch it, the children escaped from 
his exhausted arms. He seemed to lose all thought of the rope ; he beat 
about wildly to regain his helpless charge, which were borne from him in 
darkness, but he was finally rescued nearly dead from exhaustion. 

Of those who were rescued, 200 died in the hospital of Memphis 
alone. Near fourteen hundred were killed by the explosion or drowned. 
Those able to be removed were sent North to Cincinnati, Ohio, but those 
belonging to the Indiana regiments were stopped at Indianapolis, where 
they received such attention as thoughtful consideration could bestow. 



We give the following extracts from Mem])his papers ajjpearing within 
a day or two of the disaster : 

STATEMENT OK SERGEANT L. 1!. HINCKLEY. 

I belong to the 9th Indiana Cavalry. I had just gone to bed and 
fallen asleep, when all of a sudden I was awakened by some horrible 
noise. I sprang out of bed and found the cabin full of flame and the 
passengers all jumping overboard. 1'he water for a while around was 
covered with ])eople struggling for life. I never heard such terrible and 
mournful wailings. The glare of light showed a scene such as never before 
had been witnessed. I happened to find a log after swimming some distance. 
There was eight of us started on this log ; before we reached the wood, 
however, four of them gave out and sank to rise no more. I had at first 



52 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

got hold of a shutter, but finding some one else who needed it worse than 
I did, I gave it up. I reached the wood on the log and got on to a tree. 
I was rescued from my uncomfortable position about daylight fr(;m the 
little island opposite Mr. Fogleman's house. We found one who had 
reached the wood, his name being Wm. Curtiss, of Company F, ist 
Virginia Cavalry. He was' almost in the agonies of death, and had 
clutched the limb to which he had caught, and could not be taken from 
his position until the limb was cut. Mr. Fogleman's house vas opened to 
us, and we had every attention shown us that could be under the 
circumstances. 



WORK OF THE CREW OF THE (JUN-BOAT ESSEX. 

The officers and crew of the iron clad Essex deserve unstinted credit 
and praise for the part they took in picking up the passengers of the 
ill-fated steamer Sultana. Lieutenant James Perry, Ensign of the Essex, 
was awakened yesterday morning about 4 o'clock, and informed that the 
steamer Sultana had blown up, and was now burning ; that the passengers 
were floating down the river and crying for help. The Lieutenant jumped 
up immediately, and was startled and horrified by the agonizing cries of 
the people in the river. He said, that never in all his life, did he hear 
anything so dreadful, and hopes it may never be his lot to hear such 
screams again. He immediately ordered the boats to be manned, which 
was done in very quick time. The morning was very ciark. It was 
impossible to see twenty feet ahead, and they had nothing to guide 
them whatever but the shrieks and groans of the wounded and scalded 
men. The first man picked up was chilled through and through, being 
perfectly benumbed and unable to help himself. Lieutenant Berry, seeing 
the condition the man was in, very generously divested himself of his 
own coat and put it on him. The second man they took up died in a 
few moments after being taken aboard. I1ie men who had Captain 
Parker's gig picked a woman up out of some drift. She was at that time 
just making her last struggle for life. About the time this woman was 
picked up a steamboat yawl came there and helped pick up some more 
who were clinging to the drift. Lieutenant Berry said it was imjjossible 
for him to give any description of the scene ; he said it beggared all 
description ; that there were no words adecjuate to convey to the mind the 
horror of that night. He continually heard the persons in the water cry out, 
" Oh, for God's sake save us, we cannot hold out any longer." The boats 
of the United States steamers Groesbeck and Tyler were on hand, and 
displayed great vigilance and zeal in picking up the drowning men. 
Lieutenant Berry, with the help of the crew, picked up over sixty men. 



WRECK OF THE SULTANA. 53 

Among those of the crew who deserve special notice, are John Tom])son, 
the Captain's coxswain, who with gig, ])icked u]) twenty-six men ; also John 
Hill and William (^)uinn displayed a heroism which deserves to be rewarded 
by promotion. In fact the whole crew acted in such a noble manner that 
too much cannot be credited to them for their noble endeavors to save the 
perishing multitude that was floating down the river, and while we 
compliment the men we would not be unmindful of the part Lieutenant 
Berry perfon;'ed. He seemed to forget his rank, he 

" Doffed his sparkling cloak. 
And went to work with might and main,'' 

mingling as one of the crew in the magnanimous work of saving hinnan 
life. With commendable forethought, Captain Parker sent ten boats out 
to exj)lore the shore from Memphis to the place of the disaster. \]\) to 
half jjast three o'clock yesterday only five boats have returned. They 
had found a few dead bodies, but could not find any survivors along the 
shore. We think by this time that all excejjt those who sank to rise no 
more, have been picked uj); for all classes, both high and low, searched 
hard and diligently all day yesterday in hunting up the survivors of this 
calamitous disaster. Had the disaster occurred an hour or two later, 
Ca])tain Parker feels assured that the naval force here could have saved 
several hundred lives instead of the sixty alluded to. Unfortunately the 
night was dark, and the boats were obliged to steer in the direction of the 
cries, being unable to see more than a few of those struggling in the 
water, \^'illiam Young, gunner's mate on the United States iron clad 
Essex, distinguished himself by his courageous acts. Mr. Young rendered 
invaluable aid in rescuing from watery graves many of the sufferers by the 
Sultana's explosion. He is an old sailor, having befen for thirty years 
an active seaman, twenty-three years of that time in the navy. 

When the steamer Rose Hamilton was nearing the head of the little 
island opposite Mr. Fogleman's residence, she was hailed by a skiff 
belonging to some fishermen who came aboard, having discovered among 
the willows the body of a young lady, apparently about twenty years of 
age. She was of medium height, say about five feet five inches, with a 
fine head of long brown hair, blue eyes, and had a slight scar across the 
chin. She was dressed in the night attire of a respectable lady. She wore 
on her bosom a neat breast pin of plain jet set in gold. She was a very 
handsome lady, and had not been recognized at last accounts. Her body 
was taken on board the Rose Hamilton and as decently laid out as 
circumstances would permit. Unknown to those by whom she was thus 
cared for, when the sorrows and cares of life were all over, who she was, 
what home may be filled with mourning because she comes no more, are 
questions which cannot be answered, yet, whoever she may be, her friends 



54 NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 

could wish for no more tender care than strangers have bestowed, for many 
a manly eye grew moist as they gazed on the pale form in death. 



A VISIT TO THE WRECK. 

After the explosion of her boilers, and the rapid spread of the flames, 
the burning mass of what had been the fine steamer Sultana, floated slowly 
down with the current until within a few hundred yards of Mr. Fogleman's 
residence, when it grounded on the Arkansas shore. We visited the 
wreck about lo o'clock. It had sunk in twenty feet of water, and the 
jackstaff was standing up before the black mass, as though mutely mourning 
over the terrible scene, a silent witness of which it had been. The boat 
was almost entirely consumed. The charred remains of several human 
bodies were found, crisped and blackened by the fiery element. The scene 
was sad to contemplate, and those who witnessed it can never forget it. 
The Rose Hamilton, Pocahontas, Jenny Lind and Bostona were cruising 
around the place ever and anon picking up the breathless body of some 
unfortunate one, who " slept the sleep of death ;" or some more fortunate, 
who had escaped a watery grave, though exhausted by a fearful night of 
agony and struggle for life. 



STATEMENT OF PRIVATE FRED ALHACK, SECOND MICHKJAN CAVALRY. 

I was awakened when the explosion took place, lying on the top of 
the wheel house. As soon as I discovered that the boat had exploded, I 
caught hold of the fender and slid down to the water and let myself in, 
having nothing on me at the time. I judge I must have swam about ten 
miles. The river was alive with people crying and calling for help in the 
greatest of agony. Just as I was coming down off the boat I saw two 
ladies who had thrown themselves into the water, they having nothing to 
keep them up, and sank, when I saw them no more. When the explosion 
took place it threw the cabin into the air, and it fell back upon the shell of 
the boat in one mass of ruins, crushing many of the passengers, who were 
thus caught and were undoubtedly burned to death. Very many caught 
hold of horses by their manes and tails, but whether they escaped or not 
I cannot tell, as I never heard of them afterwards. 



STATEMENT OF PRIVATE R. H. SIMPSON, COMPANY I, NINETEENTH INDIANA. 

I went to sleep about 2 o'clock and was awakened in about half an 
hour by hot water falling on my face and hands. I was not struck by 
anything nor scalded, but remained on the boat until the flames compelled 



WRECK OF THE SULTANA. 55 

me to leave. I then ran up on the cabin floor, snatched off a door and 
then made my way down to the lower deck and jumped into the river. 
By the light of the burning steamer I could see hundreds of the passengers 
in the water, all crying and wailing for help. I swam for about one mile 
and a half, and when I got to the island, just opposite Mr. Fogleman's, 
there I caught hold of the bushes. I saw three men drown while I was in 
the water. One of them had gained the trees and was holding to the 
limbs; a skiff was fast coming to his help, but being utterly exhausted he 
lost his hold and sank, when the skiff was about ten ste])s off. The other 
two had almost gained the bushes, but sank before they could reach the 
the trees. 



An event so appalling as this could not occur even at a time when the 
country was accustomed to hear of the deaths of great numbers of men, 
without action upon the j.vart of the government looking to the investigation 
of its cause. A military committee and a committee upon the part of 
Congress were appointed for that purpose. Both committees, no doubt, 
discharged with fairness and ability the duty assigned them. There were 
many theories and rumors as to the cause. Rumor charged that the Post 
Quartermaster at Vicksburg, by a contract with the owners of the vessel, 
received a commission of $2.00 for each soldier passenger furnished, and 
for that consideration he had recklessly crowded the vessel beyond her 
capacity. It was also charged that the machinery was out of repair, and 
the vessel generally unseaworthy. 

The investigation, however, disclosed the fact that before leaving 
Vicksburg her boilers had been repaired by competent mechanics; that the 
charge against the Quartermaster was untrue ; that the di.saster was not due 
to the fact that the vessel was carrying more than her estimated 
capacity. The writer has not been able to obtain the report made by either 
of the committees as to the true cause of the e.xplosion. 

Among the lost were men from every company of the 9th Cavalry. 
The following list may not be complete, but is believed to be correct so far 
as it goes : 

lAiniel Curtis, Co. .A. Charles VV. Clevenger, Co. G. 

Patrick Day, Co. A. Jonathan R. Downing, Co. G. 

Frederick Blessinger, Corp., Co. B. Cieorge Downing, Co. G. 
Charles E. Church, Co. B. William H. Graves, Co G, 

Kphraim B. Parman, Co. B. William C. Hoover, Co G. 

John Steward, Co. B. Charles W. M. King, Co. G. 

Warren A. Huckins, Co.,C. John N. Maynard, Co. G. 

John M. Englehart, Co. C. Enoch T. Nation, Co. (i. 

Edward Wood, Co. D. James C. Olom, Co. (]. 

Thomas Laboyteaux, Co. E. Martin \". Rodepouch, Co. G. 

John Bonner, Co. F. John R. Reasoner, Co. G. 



56 



NINTH INDIANA CAVALRY. 



Nathan Thornburg, Co. G. 
Franklin Ballenger, Co. H. 
James Bell, Co. H. 
Alonzo Dunham, Co. H. 
George Delano, Co. H. 
Josiah Pratt, Co. H. 
John W. ShuU, Co. H. 
Hiram Bailey, Co. K. 
John W. Emmons, Co. K. 
George S. Fisher, Co. K. 
Jacob Harold, Co. K. 
Henry Newton, Co. K. 
William F. Rea, Co. K. 
Joseph Survant, Co. K. 
George W. Shockley, Co. K 
Darius Stevens, Co. K. 



Matthew Zix, Co. K. 
James N. Christian, Co. L. 
Robert A. Moorehouse, Co. L. 
Leander McCarty, Co. L. 
^Archibald Reed, Co. L. 
John M. Armstrong, Corp., Co. M. 
John D. Alexander, Co. M. 
William Brigg, Co. M. 
(ieorge W. Blake, Co. M. 
Nathan E. Ciruell, Co. M. 
Enis Haloway, Co. M. 
William H. Huffman, Co. M. 
James M. Isentrager, Co. M. 
Samuel King, Co. M. 
Franklin Ridley, Co. M. 
John M. Bragg, Co. M. 



•■■Lost by the explosion of the ste.imer George Fierce, l)elov\- Vicksburg. 



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